For permit holder Grace Felton, her win in Walla Walla, Washington, was more than just a victory — it marked a pivotal moment in her young professional career. It was a statement that she could compete alongside the best breakaway ropers in the world and head into her 2026 rookie season with confidence.
Felton, a Fernley, Nevada, native, is no stranger to success in the breakaway roping arena. A graduate of Tarleton State University’s esteemed rodeo program, she has set her sights on making her mark among the sport’s top competitors. At the 2025 Walla Walla Frontier Days, Felton tied with Kacie Jo Wiersma to earn co-champion honors with an aggregate time of 2.8 seconds, taking home one of the most prestigious titles of her career to date.
“Being on my permit this year, I’ve had a slow summer,” Felton said. “It was really great to be able to compete at a rodeo as large as Walla Walla and go up against the best girls in the world. The atmosphere was so exciting and electric — it was so special to get the win.”
For Felton, the victory wasn’t just about her own confidence heading into her rookie year. It was also a milestone for her homegrown horse.
“The horse I won Walla Walla on is six years old, and I started seasoning him and roping on him in January,” Felton said. “He’s a horse my dad and I raised, so this win really means a lot to both of us. It brings me pride competing and winning on a horse we trained ourselves.”
Felton credits her success to the support system behind her, especially her parents, who have been by her side through every stage of her journey.
“Both my parents’ support means so much to me, and I wouldn’t be anywhere without them,” she said. “It’s a true connection point for my dad and me because he was also a rodeo cowboy. Training this horse together has brought us even closer and keeps him involved in the sport.”
The season leading up to a rookie year can be one of the most formative periods for any rodeo athlete. For Felton, the past few months have been a momentous learning experience, preparing her to hit the ground running when her rookie season begins Oct. 1.
“Traveling with my old college rodeo coach, Suzanne Williams [who currently sits No. 13 in the WPRA world standings], has taught me so much about the pro rodeo world,” Felton said. “Learning from her this summer has really prepared me for my rookie year.”
Felton said her Walla Walla win has given her the momentum she needs as she looks ahead to 2026.
“This win has given me so much confidence,” she said. “I can’t wait to start my rookie year on Oct. 1.”
Rookies Making Headlines in the Northwest
Felton isn’t the only young competitor making waves on the Northwest rodeo run.
Heeler Nicky Northcott split the win at the Horse Heaven Round-Up in Kennewick, Washington, alongside veteran partner Clay Smith. The Stephenville, Texas, cowboy also claimed top honors at the Magic Valley Stampede in Filer, Idaho, pushing the 18-year-old into 20th place in the PRCA world standings — and within striking distance of his first National Finals Rodeo qualification.
Northcott, who holds a commanding lead in the Resistol Rookie of the Year race for heelers, sits less than $8,000 outside the coveted No. 15 spot. With just weeks left in the regular season, he remains a strong contender in the highly competitive “bubble race” for the NFR.
Rookie barrel racer Mackenzie Mayes is also making her mark on the Northwest run. The Scroggins, Texas, native is locked in a season-long battle with fellow rookie Emma Kate Parr for the Resistol Rookie of the Year title. Mayes’ thrilling co-champion win in Walla Walla — worth $4,947 — propelled her back to the top of the rookie standings as the race tightens heading into the final stretch of the season.
As young permit holders and rookies begin to carve out their legacies, they are pushing the limits of the sport and proving they can compete alongside rodeo’s elite.
For complete rookie standings and rodeo results, visit here.