Comal County, Texas Rodeo Tradition Continues Celebrating 29 Years in PRCA

New Braunfels, Texas offers a good time for all at the Comal County Fair and Rodeo.

Kaleb Kistner | Oct 14, 2024

GABY VELASQUEZ/ EL PASO TIMES / USA TODAY NETWORK

The 131st Annual Comal County Fair and Rodeo came to a conclusion under the lights of New Braunfels, TX. Comal County has been sanctioned by the PRCA since 1995 and has been a rich tradition in the small town community.

Comal County is one of the crucial rodeos to attend for those rodeo athletes on the bubble that didn't make it to Soiux Fall, SD over the final weekend of the season. The "bubble" is referred to those athletes within striking distance of the top 15 in the world.

Over the course of the three nights, athletes went head-to-head for the chance to earn their paychecks and be crowned the champion of the Comal County Fair and Rodeo. The athletes did not disappoint to say the least.

Bareback Riding

Orin Larsen lead the charge with an impressive 81-point ride on Lancaster and Cude's Highway Man to win the rodeo and earned a much needed $902. Larsen just barely missed the cut for the National Finals Rodeo being No. 17 in the world.

Tie-Down Roping

Sterling Smith stole the show Friday night with a solid 9.4-second run and walked away the champion at the end of Saturday night. With nearly a 2-second margin, Word Hudson took the second place finish with his 11.2-second run.

Saddle Bronc Riding

With only one qualified ride throughout the entirety of the rodeo, Texas native, Nick LaDuke, took home the win and earned himself a paycheck for $902 as well. LaDuke awed the crowd with his 73-point ride on Rocky Mountain Rodeo's Blood Bath.

Team Roping

Clay Smith and Coleby Payne showed everybody just why they are headed to the NFR with their outstanding 5.9-second run to claim the top spot at Comal County. Smith ended the season sitting at the No. 11 spot with the headers, while his partner, Payne, claimed the No.10 spot amongst the heelers.

Barrel Racing

Stephanie Fryar quite literally ran away with the win after her incredible 15.85-second run and earned a $1,062 paycheck to go home with. Two tenths of a second behind her was Oceane Veilleux and her 16.08-second run.

Bull Riding

With only three qualified rides, the bull riders earned themselves some nice paychecks. Winston Lopez took home the buckle with his 84.5-point ride on Lancaster and Cude's Rookie, earning himself $2,117. Followed by Toby Hale and his 77-point ride to claim second place.

Comal County is a wonderful local rodeo to attend for first timers and veterans alike. Comal County is a top 3 finalist for PRCA Small Rodeo Committee of the Year Award.

Published Oct 14, 2024

KALEB KISTNER

Kaleb Kistner is from New Braunfels, a small community nestled in the Texas Hill Country. There’s only one “s” in Braunfels! Growing up in Comal County, it was an annual tradition to attend the Comal County Fair and Rodeo. Down the road was the San Antonio Stockshow and Rodeo, that his grandparents would religiously take him to each year. Along with the annual rodeos, Kaleb was an active member in FFA throughout high school. Showing rabbits and pigs, assisting with steers and goats, and participating in leadership development events, Kaleb received a well-rounded, basic education in agriculture. On top of that, Kaleb earned his Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America. Kaleb has a strong work ethic and love for agriculture and the great outdoors. He hopes to be able to spread his knowledge and bring a better understanding of the Western way of life to those who may not understand. Kaleb has pursued a career in plumbing, continuing to achieve each possible license as quickly as he can. Kaleb has a beautiful fiancée Makayla and his sweet daughter Kinleigh. During his down time, he and his family enjoy going to their parents’ ranches to spend time with the family.