The “Ultimate Cowboy Showdown” is back for its third season, bringing together a diverse group of individuals who embody the spirit and resilience of the American West. This season promises a captivating display of skill, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of a ranching legacy. From seasoned ranchers to aspiring cattlemen, these contestants are ready to prove their mettle in the demanding world of cowboy life.
Season Three Contestants: A Closer Look
Buck Faust – Prineville, Oregon
Buck Faust, a dedicated rancher and horse trainer, is passionate about expanding his agricultural endeavors. Married for a year and a half, he and his wife are tirelessly working to grow their horse training operation. Buck is also venturing into the beef cattle industry, aiming to establish a cow-calf operation. With dreams of starting a family, his ultimate goal is to build a lasting ranch legacy for future generations.
Brianna Markum-McClain – Aquilla, Texas
A fourth-generation New Mexico cowboy, Brianna Markum-McClain is a force to be reckoned with. In addition to managing a major convention center, she runs her own successful rodeo company with her husband and competes in roping events. Brianna’s impressive accolades include qualifying for the 2020 World Champion Rodeo Alliance and winning the Original Team Roping Heading Finals, showcasing her exceptional talent and competitive drive.
Eddie Pena – Lytle, Texas
Eddie Pena, a cattleman and coal miner, has significantly revamped his cattle operation after his appearance on the “Ultimate Cowboy Showdown.” He has transitioned to raising beef cattle and recently welcomed his third son in March 2023. Eddie emphasizes the increased importance of winning the competition due to the rising costs of running a beef cattle operation and the desire to leave the coal mining industry behind. The prize money would be instrumental in jumpstarting his new venture.
James “Diamond Jim” Smith – Dalhart, Texas
A 6th generation cowboy, James “Diamond Jim” Smith has prioritized family in the past year. He stepped back from his job to support his wife through a life-threatening tumor, which she has since overcome. Diamond Jim continues to manage cattle in the Texas panhandle and expand his horse shoeing business. While he has earned numerous awards, he considers being a grandfather to his soon-to-be five grandchildren his proudest achievement.
Sarah Foti – Crystal River, Florida
Sarah Foti, a beekeeper and cowboy, remains dedicated to her beekeeping business and works on ranches along Florida’s coast. Having participated before, she is confident in approaching this season with a more strategic mindset, aiming to overcome any potential hindrance from her strong personality. Facing rising feed prices and scarce resources after devastating hurricanes, Sarah hopes to win the prize to fully focus on her cattle operation.
Returning Favorites and Their Journeys
Jared Lee – Picayune, Mississippi (Season One)
Jared Lee continues to be a devoted family man, providing for his wife, six children, and his brother with cerebral palsy. He manages Lee HDC Ranching, specializing in training cattle dogs and ranch horses, as well as running cattle. Despite a broken leg during Season 1, his cattle dog training business enabled him to continue working and supporting his family. Jared also frequently assists neighbors with cattle herding in Mississippi’s challenging terrain.
Tyler Kijac – Jay, Oklahoma (Season Two)
After competing in the “Ultimate Cowboy Showdown,” Tyler Kijac poured his energy into expanding his rodeo company, TK Pro Rodeo. He has achieved success not only in rodeo production but also in producing rough stock. In 2021, Tyler and his wife welcomed their first child, Truce Kijac. Having grown up without a ranching background, Tyler’s primary motivation for business expansion is to provide his son with the idyllic cowboy childhood he always desired.
Jackson Taylor – Lockney, Texas (Season Two)
Following the loss of his grandmother in April, Jackson Taylor returned home to support his family. He has been concentrating on training colts and riding horses for clients while assisting his uncle with managing 1,000 head of cattle in and around Lockney. Jackson’s priorities have shifted towards family, personal well-being, and his passion for horse training since his grandmother’s passing. Tragically, Jackson Taylor passed away on July 22, 2023, due to a rodeo accident in New Mexico. INSP will proceed with airing the season, though the cast and crew are deeply saddened by this loss.
James “Diamond Jim” Smith – Dalhart, Texas (Season Three)
A 6th generation cowboy, James “Diamond Jim” Smith has focused much of his time on family in the past year. He took a step back from his job to support his wife when she was diagnosed with a life-threatening tumor; she has since recovered and is tumor-free. Diamond Jim continues to manage cattle in the Texas panhandle and expand his horse shoeing business. While he has earned numerous buckles and awards, being a grandfather to his soon-to-be five grandchildren remains his proudest accomplishment.
Cuatro Houston – Devine, Texas (Season One)
After securing second place, Cuatro Houston returned to his hometown and continued working at the feedlot to support his wife and daughter. The recent sale of the feedlot where he spent most of his career has led him to focus on day-working and training horses. Cuatro faces mounting medical debt due to his daughter’s recent health scares. Combined with the feedlot’s closure, he is more determined than ever to win the $50,000 prize.
Ethan Treadwell – Snyder, Oklahoma (Season Two)
Ethan Treadwell met his wife by chance over two years ago, and they married seven months later. They relocated to a new town and have been building their home. Following his time on the “Ultimate Cowboy Showdown,” Ethan significantly transformed his family’s operation. He sold their farming business and now exclusively runs a cattle ranch, fulfilling his father’s lifelong dream. With a new family business and home, Ethan and his wife are focused on growing their family.
This season of “Ultimate Cowboy Showdown” is set to be an unforgettable one, celebrating the enduring spirit of the cowboy way of life and the pursuit of agricultural dreams.
