National High School Rodeo Association members submitted 56 entries representing two countries and 17 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 — Kaweloanu Castro
Kaweloanu Castro is the 2026 Western Horseman Trade Craft Showcase Overall Grand Champion with his Hawaiian Tree Saddle. 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, Castro replied, “Being a Maker means that I have a lot of responsibility. For example, when making a saddle, you need to make sure you have all the right measurements. You need to make sure you’re cutting in the right area on the leather hide. If you’re making a saddle for a buyer, it’s important for the tree to fit the rider. You don’t want to make a saddle for the buyer and have it not fit them or their horse. The journey of making this saddle showed me that paying attention to detail is the number one rule for a saddle Maker. Cutting corners will not always make the job go faster. Like my mentor would always tell me, “Always double-check your measurements before you start cutting.”
Reserve Champion — Lili Barcus
Lili Barcus is the Reserve Champion with her Border Collie Etched Art. Barcus received a $1,000 scholarship, along with other Western Horseman and YETI prizes. When asked why do you want to learn the Western trades?, Barcus said “I enjoy sharing my memories though my artwork.”
Aspiring Maker — Oakley Ward
The Aspiring Maker award is chosen by the judges for the student who has shown interest in continuing the education of their craft. Oakley Ward is the Aspiring Maker winner, and she received a “Doer” level scholarship for Be A Maker School to continue her education.
All-Around — Nanea Bonacorsi
The All-Around award is for the student who showed interest in multiple crafts. Nanea Bonacorsi submitted entries in all four of the categories. Bonacorsi 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 Bonacorsi, being a Maker means “Being a Maker means creating something with the purpose to tell a story. Every piece I make has a special message to go with it. Through my artwork, I can preserve memories, share the horse that shaped my life, and share my passion for art.”
People’s Choice — Sevens Clendenin
The People’s Choice award is decided by tradeshow fans who vote on their favorite piece. Sevens Clendenin is the People’s Choice winner with his Weathered Cowboy Sketch, and he received a “Doer” level scholarship for Be A Maker School. When asked why Clendenin wants to learn the Western trades, he replied, “To be able to live the lifestyle that’s in the roping and cattle business.”
Craftsmanship
The craftsmanship category had 20 entries, ranging from saddles to braided halters. Tavis Evans was the first-place winner with a Wade Saddle. In second place was Lili Barcus with a Welded Headdress, and in third place was Wade Krysl with his Red Handle Knife.
Fashion and Jewelry
The fashion and jewelry category had a total of 9 entries, ranging from custom shirts to a concho belt. The first-place winner was Bailey Passalaqua with her Tooled Concho Belt. In second place was Kally Wills with her Pink Shirt with Ruffles, and in third place was Rein Liggett with her Scarf Slide/Ring.
Art
The art category had 14 entries, ranging from pencil drawings to paintings. The first-place winner was Sevens Clendenin with his Weathered Cowboy Sketch. In second place was Annabell Ondrik with her Lace-up Boot Ceramic, and in third place was Tacen Carr with his Leather Back Number Plaque.
Household Items
The household items category had 13 entries, ranging from a back number bar to handmade quilts. The first-place winner was Oakley Ward with her Blue Rope Vase. In second place was Oakley Ward with her Orange Rope Vase, and in third place was Belle Brackett with her Painted Skull.
