Riata News

Riata Stallion Changes For 2026

Mar 30, 2026

If you have a rope horse or a colt that is by one of these great NEW Riata Stallions, every horse, regardless of age, can immediately nominate for $205.

The Riata stallion list changes annually featuring more and more stallions proven to produce rope horses. Some replacements occur for stallions that have passed away. The more common occurrence are the replacement strategies that stallion owners utilize to get more colts eligible. Here is quick overview of some of those changes for the 2026 season. All current and past stallions are listed at the website. We welcome all the new stallions, and all the ropers riding horses from these stallions.

It is always impressive to see the new talent entering the program alongside the established stallions that arrive with big reputations and accolades. The 6666 gave in to customer requests and added Smoothe Talkin Style as an option for their customers. On the young stallion side, the star of the Teton sale was Third Edge, young but certainly a name of the future. Likewise, the young ranch horse star Tic Tick Boom Boon is another young one that appears to be a cowboy favorite. Nu One Time Blues with Joseph Harrison on board at the BFI last year garnished lots of attention which is carrying over to the breeding sheds. The racehorse stallions haven't really made a big impact in the arena yet, but the entrance of stallions like Uncle D is getting attention from the futurity trainers. Cyber Monday has also joined the 2026 Riata Stallions. These are just a few mentions, but the entire Riata catalogue seems to be improving.

The point of the Riata program is to promote great stallions and record their winnings and in addition locate stallions that are impacting our sport. But let's not forget those stallions like the late Pepcid that are simply cowboy favorites.

If your nominated Riata horse is by a stallion that has left the program or is deceased, you will be required to keep your horse nominated each year. If they skip a year after their stallion exits, they will not be able to get back in.

DECEASED STALLIONS:

SJR Diamond Mist – replaced Slick By Design at his passing

Watch The Lane - replaced Heza Our Secret at his passing

Rhyme Tight – replaced Cat Proof at his passing

Simba Stylish Doc – replacement for Lena Stylish Doc at his passing

REPLACEMENTS:

Annies Smart Cat - replacement for NZ Scotch Time

Bleu on Black - replacement for Spark Badger

Cowboys Boonshine – replacement for Thrift Shop Fabulous

Cyber Monday - new addition

Epic Titan – replacement for Wimpyneedsacocktail

Friday Night Fling – replacement for Reys Smokin Dually