Rodeo Daily

Rodeo Stars Dancin' For a Cause in Fort Worth

Rodeo stars kicked off The American Western Weekend, raising $58,000 for the Western Sports Foundation. The funds support fellow athletes facing injuries or financial challenges. Here are some of the highlights.

Courtney Kreider

Western Sports Foundation

Western advocates, athletes, and industry representatives lit up the stage at the Tannahill Music Hall Thursday evening for the first “Dancin’ with Rodeo Stars” at Fort Worth’s historical stockyards.

Five-time World Champion Steer Wrestler Luke Branquinho and four-time World Champion Barrel Racer Hailey Kinsel got the crowd pumped with a fun, hip-hop routine. The crowd wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen towards the end when Branquino staged a wardrobe malfunction, shredding his baggy jeans before showing off the athletic tights and shorts underneath.

The Teton Ridge duo had costumes made by Branquinho's wife, Lindsay. They consisted of sponsor rodeo button-ups with the sleeves cut off, sneakers, and backward hats. The one-of-a-kind jerseys were auctioned off at the end of the event for $1,600, with Kinsel’s going for $850.

Bringing the Montana Silversmith’s brand to the stage, representative Callie Adams and dance partner Kaleb Barrett dazzled both the audience and the judges in rhinestones and royal blue. Hitting every aspect during their routine: glam, rhythm, and even a rodeo clown barrel wrapped with Montana Silversmith’s logo, Adams and Barrett, who is a professional bullfighter, were the first to score all 10s.

Winning teams Callie Adams & Kaleb Barrett representing Montana Silversmiths and Shelby & Flint Rasmussen at the 2024 Dancin' with Rodeo Stars / Western Sports Foundation

The two ended up in a tie for first with the legendary Flint Rasmussen and daughter Shelby Rasmussen. The father-daughter duo pulled at the heartstrings, first dancing to “Til You Can’t” by Cody Johnson but then switching it up a total of four times during their routine.

Classic songs such as “You’re the One That I Want” from the movie “Grease” and Flint’s all-time favorite, “Thriller,” were the numbers where their chemistry showed. Another set of all 10s from the judges showed they agreed.

Speaking of chemistry, the Webster household may not have taken home the sparkling disco ball trophy from the event, but they were an obvious fan favorite. Professional Bullfighter Cody Webster and his Ashley, known as “Smash” to family and friends, also may have had the most fun on stage that night.

Cody & Ashley "Smash" Webster at the 2024 Dancin' with Rodeo Stars.  / Courtney Kreider, SI Rodeo

“It was pretty nerve-racking,” Cody said, “But it’s for a great cause. We’re talking about Western athletes that get hurt in the arena. They’re having surgery, they’re down and out, and this helps provide for them and their family when they’re down.”

Knowing all too well the danger of the sport and how to support a rodeo athlete, Smash was asked to join the Athlete Advisory Committee about five years ago. She now serves as a board member of the Western Sports Foundation.

“Which I love. We’ve expanded, so it’s not just when athletes are hurt,” Smash added. “We’re premeditating financial advice and things like that. The organization as a whole is such a great cause. It truly, truly helps the athletes no matter if they’re hurt or to prepare for life after rodeo. It’s such a fantastic thing to be a part of and we’re happy we got to dance tonight and have a good time.”

After a sold-out crowd, including a full VIP top floor, the Western Sports Foundation confirmed “Dancin’ with Rodeo Stars” will be a regular event ahead of the American Western Weekend, announcing they’ve already begun plans for 2025.

Western Sports Foundation is a nonprofit organization that offers little-to-no-cost services to Western athletes of all ages, affiliations, and disciplines. These services include financial assistance, scholarships, life skills, physical and mental wellness, and much more.

To find out more about the organization and ways to contribute, click here. 

Western Sports Foundation hosts its first inaugural "Dancin' with Rodeo Stars" at the Tannahill Music Hall in Forth Worth, TX, on March 7, 2024 / Western Sports Foundation
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Courtney Kreider
COURTNEY KREIDER

Newly added to the team, Western Sports Writer Courtney Kreider is a former TV journalist, bringing eight years of broadcast experience to the world of rodeo. Known for her Emmy-nominated California wildfire coverage, Courtney’s passion for working the fire lines makes her a perfect match for the adrenaline inside the rodeo arena. The Western industry is also home to Courtney. Born and raised in the small town of Viola, Calif., her love for horses and the cowboy culture began as a little girl exploring the alluring backcountry in the northern part of the state. She works as a media relations coordinator for the Red Bluff Round-Up and serves as a spokesperson for the rodeo every April. Away from work, Courtney enjoys her time off the grid with her family in Montana, which she calls her second home. Majoring in Criminology in college, Courtney’s passion for humanizing the badge has brought close relationships with various municipalities throughout her career. Her genuineness is shown in her ability to go beyond the emergency or story at hand. This year, she covered the American Rodeo and the Wrangler National Finals and is coming off her first year dedicated to promoting our Western lifestyle.

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