Hollister Teen Wins Big at National Rodeo Event

15-year-old Braydee Bourdet takes home over $18,000 in calf roping competitions at Wrangler BFI Week in Oklahoma.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:39pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a calf roping competition, with overlapping planes of bright reds, blues, and yellows.A young rodeo competitor's triumph at a national event reflects the enduring appeal of Western sports and the opportunities they provide for rural youth.Guthrie Today

Braydee Bourdet, a 15-year-old homeschooled student from Hollister, California, won over $18,000 in calf roping competitions at the prestigious Wrangler BFI Week event in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Bourdet roped three calves in 11.56 seconds to win the 18-and-under category, and also took home the top prize in the main Charlie 1 Horse Breakaway competition.

Why it matters

Bourdet's impressive performance at the national-level rodeo event showcases the talent and dedication of young athletes from small towns like Hollister. Her success also highlights the continued popularity and importance of rodeo culture, especially in rural communities across the American West.

The details

At just 15 years old, Braydee Bourdet competed against the best calf ropers in the world at Wrangler BFI Week, which awarded over $5 million in total prize money. Bourdet roped three calves in 11.56 seconds to win the 18-and-under category, earning a $1,400 prize. She then went on to win the main Charlie 1 Horse Breakaway competition, taking home a total of $18,100 in winnings.

  • Wrangler BFI Week took place from March 26 to April 1, 2026.
  • Bourdet also competed at the event in 2025.

The players

Braydee Bourdet

A 15-year-old homeschooled student from Hollister, California who won over $18,000 in calf roping competitions at the Wrangler BFI Week event in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Wayne and Lacey Bourdet

Braydee Bourdet's parents, who raised the horse she rode to victory at the 2026 Wrangler BFI Week event.

Yosemite Valley Charter School

The homeschool program that Braydee Bourdet is enrolled in.

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What they’re saying

“'I prefer long scores. I guess this is the biggest paycheck I've ever won, so I'm putting it away.'”

— Braydee Bourdet

What’s next

Braydee Bourdet plans to continue competing in rodeo events, with the goal of earning a college scholarship through her skills in calf roping and other rodeo disciplines.

The takeaway

Braydee Bourdet's impressive victory at the prestigious Wrangler BFI Week rodeo event demonstrates the talent and determination of young athletes from small towns like Hollister, California. Her success highlights the enduring appeal of rodeo culture and the opportunities it provides for rural youth to excel on a national stage.