The California Mid-State Fair has announced the champions from its 2026 Horse Show and Rodeo competitions, recognizing outstanding riders, ropers, and horsemen from across California. From youth horsemanship and ranch riding to team roping, breakaway roping, reined cow horse, and the annual Country Rodeo, hundreds of competitors showcased the western heritage that has been a cornerstone of the Fair for generations.
The weekend's standout competitor was Cody Mora, who earned two of the Fair's highest honors. Mora was named All Around Cowboy during Saturday night's Country Rodeo Finals before returning Sunday to capture the High Point Award, recognizing the top competitor across the Match Team Roping, Match Calf Branding, Cut & Rope, and Reverse Team Roping events.
Additional top Country Rodeo honors included Cole Burton, who was named Sunday's All Around Champion, and Aubree Jennings, who earned the Women's All Around Championship following strong performances throughout Sunday's competition.
The Fair's Country Rodeo Barrel Race crowned Avery Ladesma as the Division 1 Champion before she returned to win the Barrel Racing Finals during Saturday night's Country Rodeo. Additional division champions included Hailey Hansen, Teal Mora, and Trew Mitchell.
The Cattlemen's Day Cow Dog Trials were won by Shannon Wood and Goldie, while Cathie Twisselman captured the Open Ranch Horse Class. Charlie Roden claimed both the Non-Pro Ranch Horse Class and the Youth Ranch Horse title, making him one of the week's standout horse show competitors.
The Fair also hosted two days of Ranch Sorting National Championships, attracting competitors from across the West. High Point honors were earned by Mary Richards, Maria Elder, and Macy Max on Saturday, while Sue Gaiser, Avery Klein, Mikelle Heredia, and Mike Buerster topped their respective divisions on Sunday.
The Fair's 4-H/FFA Open Youth Horse Show featured English, Western, Gymkhana, and Showmanship competition, with riders from throughout the region competing for High Point honors.
Top overall youth champions included:
High Point Champions were:
English
Western
Gymkhana
The inaugural Walk This Way Ranch Riding & Trail Challenge crowned Natalie Werlhof as Open Champion and Robyn Schiller as Advanced Champion. The Fair's NRCHA Reined Cow Horse Show also featured championship performances by Tina Robinson, Charlie Roden, Ashley Salter, Colette Barnicoat, and Cathy Bardos across multiple divisions.
In roping competition, Elizabeth Miranda claimed the Open Breakaway Average Championship, while Brodie Scoville captured the 15 & Under title. Team ropers also competed in Open Match, #12.5, #11.5, and #9.5 divisions during competition held July 24.
"The California Mid-State Fair has always celebrated the traditions of agriculture and western sports," said CEO Colleen Bojorquez. "Congratulations to all of this year's competitors for their dedication, sportsmanship, and exceptional performances. We thank every exhibitor, volunteer, official, and family member who helps make these events such an important part of the Fair each year."
Complete results from all 2026 Horse Show and Rodeo competitions are available at MidStateFair.com.
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