The Hondo Rodeo’s $1 million payout and star-studded list of invitee rodeo athletes lit up Phoenix for the second year in a row, and gave fans the chance to see Lisa Lockhart win a combined six-figure check along the way.
2025 The Hondo Rodeo fest barrel racing recap
The invite-only Hondo Rodeo brought major-league production and million-dollar payouts to Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, turning the home of the Diamondbacks into a one-of-a-kind rodeo arena. For the barrel racers invited, the weekend combined electric runs, star power, and record-setting checks.
Eight of the sport’s top athletes — Lisa Lockhart, Hailey Kinsel, Emily Beisel, Megan McLeod-Sprague, Mackenzie Mayes, Wenda Johnson, Tayla Moeykens, and Hayle Gibson Stillwell — were called to represent barrel racing on the dirt. The format featured three rounds and an average, each offering a big-money opportunity.
In Round 1, Tayla Moeykens and KN Fames Best Yet (“Yeti”) came out swinging, winning the round for $12,000, followed by Lisa Lockhart and Blazin Ta Betty (“Sasha”) in second for $8,500, Wenda Johnson third for $3,500, and Hayle Gibson Stillwell fourth for $1,500.
Round 2 saw the leaderboard flip as Lockhart and Sasha took control, earning the round win for $12,000, while Moeykens finished second, Johnson third again, and Mackenzie Mayes claimed a check for fourth.
When the dust settled, Lisa Lockhart and Blazin Ta Betty sealed their second consecutive Hondo Rodeo Average Championship, adding another $20,000 to their total. Lockhart also took home the prestigious $50,000 Maverick Top Hand Award, bringing her weekend earnings to a staggering $102,500.
The Hondo Rodeo combined top-tier athleticism with big-league entertainment — complete with concerts, pyrotechnics, and viral moments, including Zeke Thurston joining Nickelback on stage. Organizers closed the event with an announcement that a Hondo Rodeo: New Orleans Edition is already in the works for 2026, promising even more opportunities for the sport’s best.
When is the 2025 Hondo Rodeo Fest?
The 2025 Hondo Rodeo Fest takes place on Nov. 7-9, 2025 daily at 6 p.m. MST (Arizona).
Where is the 2025 Hondo Rodeo Fest?
The Hondo Rodeo is taking place on Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, in Phoenix, Arizona.
2024 Flashback: Lockhart and Blazin Ta Betty Win $60K at Inaugural Hondo Rodeo
Who’s entered in the 2025 Hondo Rodeo Fest barrel racing?
The Hondo Rodeo Fest hand-selected the 2025 barrel racing contestants. Each athlete selected has or will make at least one trip to the National Finals Rodeo.
Wenda Johnson
Emily Beisel
Lisa Lockhart
Hailey Kinsel
Hayle Gibson-Stillwell
Tayla Moeykens
Mackenzie Mayes
Megan McLeod-Sprague
The Hondo Barrel Racing 2025 results
Round 1- Friday, Nov. 7
| Place | Contestant | sc/tm | Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tayla Moeykens | 13.75 | $12,000.00 |
| 2 | Lisa Lockhart | 13.86 | $7,500.00 |
| 3 | Wenda Johnson | 13.95 | $3,500.00 |
| 4 | Hayle Gibson-Stillwell | 14.03 | $1,500.00 |
Round 2- Saturday, Nov. 8
| 2 | 1 | Lisa Lockhart | 13.61 | $12,000.00 |
| 2 | 2 | Tayla Moeykens | 13.86 | $7,500.00 |
| 2 | 3 | Wenda Johnson | 13.92 | $3,500.00 |
| 2 | 4 | Mackenzie Mayes | 13.95 | $1,500.00 |
Round 3- Sunday, Nov. 9
| 3 | 1 | Lisa Lockhart | 13.788 | $12,000.00 |
| 3 | 2 | Tayla Moeykens | 13.976 | $7,500.00 |
| 3 | 3 | Hayle Gibson-Stillwell | 14.011 | $3,500.00 |
| 3 | 4 | Hailey Kinsel | 14.156 | $1,500.00 |
Average
Lisa Lockhart not only won the aggregate for $20,000, she also earned the Maverick Top Hand award for money won across all events, worth an additional $50,000. Moeykens finished second overall.
| AVG | 1 | Lisa Lockhart | 41.256 | $70,000.00 |
| AVG | 2 | Tayla Moeykens | 41.584 | $12,500.00 |
The 2025 Hondo Rodeo Fest Concert Lineup
Each day, concerts will take place following the rodeo action at the Hondo Rodeo Fest. Here’s who is on the 2025 schedule.
Nov. 7: Nickleback, Treaty Oak Revival
Nov. 8: Kid Rock, Jon Pardi
Nov. 9: Jason Aldean, Riley Green