Performers at Rodeo 250 in Washington, DC June 24 to July 10 could vary during performances, but notable participants include:
—Shawn Howard, stagecoach performer, is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He’s one of the nation’s premier stagecoach drivers, has built an international reputation for elite horsemanship, multi-horse hitch driving, and authentic Western performance. As the official stagecoach driver for South Point Casino and the most prestigious event in professional rodeo, The National Finals Rodeo.
—Justin McKee and David Sharp will be announcing Rodeo 250. McKee is one of the most recognizable voices in western sports, with a career spanning live rodeo announcing, national television broadcasts, and major rodeo coverage. Sharp, based in Dalton, Georgia is known for his energy, clarity and arena presence. His style helps guide the audience through the action, spotlight the athletes and performers, and keep the show moving with a true rodeo voice.
—Audra McNicholas, will present the flag on her black Friesian horse Caballero. She also has American Miniature Therapy Horses that will be offering meet and greets. This team regularly visits hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and volunteers with their local sheriff’s office and throughout the community.
—Ginger Duke, Roman and trick rider will bring the Wild West back to life with her daring horsemanship. Duke is a world champion trick rider, mustang makeover champion, and performs stunts in movies alongside her horses.
—Cavin Graham is a horseback performer with his bridleless liberty-horse performance centered on trust, communication, and horsemanship. Graham is a Mustang Magic Champion, multiple times top ten finalist in Mustang Makeovers, and a Freestyle Reining Champion. His bridleless liberty work highlights the bond between horse and performer, creating a powerful visual display that fits the Rodeo 250 story of the horse’s role in American history and western culture.
—Will Stites is a multiple-time PRCA First Frontier saddle bronc riding champion whose passion for rodeo and western heritage is reflected in more than just his riding. With more than a decade of competition experience, he is known not only for his success in the arena, but also for educating fans and introducing new audiences to rodeo through his platform, Inside the Riggin Bag. Stites brings the excitement of saddle bronc riding to Rodeo 250, highlighting one of rodeo’s most historic and respected disciplines.
—Judd Napier is a pickup man, bullfighter and bull dogging performer. Originally from Hawaii, Napier has built a career in professional rodeo through grit, timing, horsemanship, and a willingness to take on some of the toughest jobs in the arena.
—Gabriel Hernandez is an accomplished Mexican charro and trick roper from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, carrying on a proud family tradition of horsemanship and Western performance. A talented horseman from a young age, Hernandez began riding before he could walk and has become recognized as one of the younger professional charro performers in the country. Known for his exceptional trick roping skills, traditional charro style, and rare left-handed roping ability.
—Lucas Maynard, trick roper and western entertainer, is an accomplished young trick roper known for his precision, creativity, and dedication to preserving the traditions of western performance. His polished routines showcase advanced rope skills, showmanship, and crowd engagement, making him one of the rising talents in rodeo specialty acts. Maynard brings youthful energy and authentic western flair to the Rodeo 250 arena.
—Kegan Mayo is a trick roper, rodeo clown and western entertainer who brings a fast-paced blend of comedy, crowd work, trick roping, fire, and western showmanship to the arena. Known as a Western entertainer, Mayo adds energy between the action to give audiences a fun, family-friendly rodeo experience rooted in classic arena entertainment.
—Olivia Jones is a trick rider and roper who combines the speed of trick riding with the precision of trick roping, delivering a flashy, athletic specialty act built for big crowds. Her performances showcase balance, timing, courage, and a deep connection with her horse, bringing a modern spark to the traditions of western arena entertainment.
—Kate Davidson is a trick rider, and she brings the speed, danger and grace of Roman riding and trick riding to the Rodeo 250 arena. Her performance celebrates the athletic skill and showmanship that helped turn western horsemanship into one of the most exciting forms of live entertainment.
—Ruia Merritt is set to be the liberty horse performer and represents the next generation of rodeo specialty-act talent with a liberty-horse performance built around connection, timing, and showmanship. As a young contract-act performer, she brings a fresh and inspiring presence to the arena while showcasing the powerful partnership between horse and handler.
