Calgary Stampede Set for Major Comebacks from Rodeo’s Biggest Names

Hillary Maybery Photography

Last year, Calgary was the start of a run that carried her through the rest of the season.  That same week she also won the NFR open, and that would change her entire year. This year it could be the start of a new balance because while rodeo may not be first priority anymore, you still can never count Shelby Meged out.

Shad Mayfield

For Shad Mayfield, the road back has been anything but simple.

The two-time World Champion has spent the better part of the last few years managing pain, pushing through it, and continuing to compete at a level most athletes never reach, even when not at 100 percent. But this season, he made a different decision.

He stepped back not because he wanted to, but because he had to for longevity purposes.

After undergoing surgery on both hips, Mayfield hit pause on a season that, like every year, carried high expectations. It wasn’t an easy call, especially for someone who has built his career on competing, winning, and staying at the top.

The focus shifted to the long term, getting healthy, getting right, and giving himself the chance to come back the way he knows he can.

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That’s where Calgary enters the picture. While there’s no official timeline set in stone, Mayfield has pointed to the Calgary Stampede as a potential return spot. This is a goal circled if Shad feels 100%.

The reality is, tie-down roping at that level doesn’t leave much room for anything less than full strength. Every run depends on precision, timing, and explosiveness, all things that start with your body being right, especially your hips.

Mayfield knows that. That’s why this comeback isn’t about rushing back. He is doing it the right way because when he does return the expectation is dominance.

We have seen time and time again that Shad is one of the most dangerous guys in the game.

Calgary may be the target for a comeback, but for Mayfield the bigger goal is the World Championships he is chasing after.

Adios Pantalones

There is one specific equine athlete that has been specifically missed for little while now. Adios Pantalones, arguably the most well known barrel horse today has been sidelined.

The standout stallion, ridden by Tricia Aldridge, has become one of the most recognizable names in barrel racing in a remarkably short time. From futurity dominance to a breakout 2025 Pro Rodeo season, Adios has dominated from the beginning.

In his first year at the highest level, the duo made their National Finals Rodeo debut, winning rounds and finishing the season as Reserve World Champions. He quickly became the highest-earning stallion in the history of barrel racing and a fan favorite almost overnight.

Jackie Jensen Photography

Earlier this season, Adios suffered a fracture in his hock, an injury that required careful management and ultimately surgery to ensure his long term future. That decision wasn’t about this season alone but about the rest of his career.

For Aldridge, the choice was clear to protect the horse that changed everything for her. She has continued to win on other horses, but it just has not been the same as Adios.

Once again, Calgary is the goal. Aldridge has pointed to the Calgary Stampede as a potential return spot for Adios. This would give him the time needed to recover properly while still allowing him to win money for the last part of the season with NFR #2 as the goal.