National High School Rodeo Association members submitted 49 entries representing two countries and 14 states in this year’s Western Horseman Trade Craft Showcase.
For almost 90 years, Western Horseman has supported and showcased Western art and craftsmanship in a variety of ways, from the front cover of the magazine, feature stories in print and online, and through various annual contests.
Western Horseman feels it’s the brand’s responsibility to support the next generation of “Western Horsemen” inside and outside the arena. The Trade Craft Showcase is the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Through the showcase and with the support of our great partners, Western Horseman had the distinct privilege of awarding more than $8,000 in scholarships to 14 NHSRA members, as well as several other prizes, including those from YETI. In addition to the scholarship, Western Horseman continued its partnership with Be A Maker School to provide continued education to the Overall Grand Champion and the Aspiring Maker award winner.
“We hear a lot that this way of life is dying, and I look around and know that is absolutely not true, and it is in good hands with the kids standing here today,” says Dani Licklider, director of Western brands at Morris Communications.
Results
Overall Grand Champion — Dixon Gamble
Dixon Gamble is the 2025 Western Horseman Trade Craft Showcase Overall Grand Champion with his saddle trophy case. Gamble was awarded a $1,250 scholarship, a Dedicated Level membership with Be A Maker School for a six-month mentorship program valued at $1,500, along with Western Horseman and YETI prizes. When asked what being a Maker means to him, Gamble replied, “It makes me proud of what I have built and what I can build.”
Reserve Champion — Aubrie Christensen
Aubrie Christensen is the Reserve Champion with her self-portrait painting. Christensen received a $1,000 scholarship, along with other Western Horseman and YETI prizes. When asked if she wanted to continue with her art, Christensen hopes “to be able to learn all the trades, leather, jewelry and photography in my lifetime.”
Aspiring Maker — Rider Linke
The Aspiring Maker award is chosen by the judges for the student who has shown interest in continuing the education of their craft. Rider Linke is the Aspiring Maker winner with his handmade rasp spurs, and he received a “Doer” level scholarship for Be A Maker School to continue his education.
All-Around — Vincent Patrick “Vince” Skinner
The All-Around award is for the student who showed interest in multiple crafts. Vincent Patrick “Vince” Skinner submitted entries in the categories of art, craftsmanship and household items. Skinner won the All-Around award and received a “Doer” level scholarship for Be A Maker School as well as an insulated cooler bag from YETI. To Skinner, being a Maker means “being able to express myself.”
People’s Choice — Spencer Howard
The People’s Choice award is decided by tradeshow fans who vote on their favorite piece. Spencer Howard is the People’s Choice winner with his 3D horse in nature shadow box, and he received a “Doer” level scholarship for Be A Maker School. When asked why Howard wants to learn the Western trades, he replied, “To help preserve the Western traditions I have come to love and cherish from the rodeo world.”
Craftsmanship
The craftsmanship category had 18 entries, ranging from leather-tooled pieces to handmade spurs. Alex Hanson was the first-place winner with a leather-tooled gun sling. In second place was Isaac Frandsen with his trap shooting epoxy-welded table, and in third place was Rusty Jones with his saddle rack.
Fashion and Jewelry
The fashion and jewelry category had a total of 11 entries, ranging from custom shirts to custom earrings. The first-place winner was Kally Wills with her orange checkered and flowered button-up shirt. In second place was Brilee Reed with her custom cowboy boots, and in third place was Landry Brouillette with her beaded hatband.
Art
The art category had 10 entries, ranging from pencil drawings to paintings. The first-place winner was Aubrie Christensen with her palomino horse sketch. In second place was Belle Brackett with her oil painting of a cowboy, and in third place was Tava Sexton with her pencil drawing of herself and her horse.
Household Items
The household items category had 10 entries, ranging from hat racks to handmade quilts. The first-place winner was Walker Hanafin with his saddle bar stool. In second place was David Hall with his elk horn coffee table, and in third place was Josie Waite with her NHSRA back number leather pillow.
