This golden war horse set the fast-time record at Reno and won Salinas in 2026. The equestrian world is once again captivated by the remarkable partnership of Dawson Graham and his equine counterpart, Outlaw, also known by his registered name, Chex Yer Gun. This dynamic duo has not only rewritten the record books but also challenged conventional perceptions of what makes a champion rodeo horse. Their 2026 season has been nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by a record-setting 3.7-second run at the prestigious Reno Rodeo and a triumphant win at the notoriously challenging California Rodeo Salinas. These achievements underscore a career built on a foundation of grit, consistency, and an undeniable, if sometimes unconventional, bond between horse and rider.

A Champion Forged in Grit: Outlaw’s Unconventional Path to Stardom

Outlaw is not your typical equine sweetheart. Dawson Graham candidly describes him as "He’ll paw you, he might pull back, he’s kind of hard to saddle and he’s hard to shoe." Further emphasizing his challenging temperament, Graham uses a stark descriptor: "pr*ck." This blunt assessment, however, belies the horse’s unparalleled performance in the arena. Nine years ago, in 2017, Dawson Graham acquired Chex Yer Gun as a 5-year-old from his friend Tristin Woolsey. What Graham saw in the young horse wasn’t a docile disposition, but an inherent toughness and an unwavering commitment to his job.

Graham’s initial assessment involved an extensive trial period. "I tried him three times, and I bet I ran 60 steers on him," Dawson recounted, highlighting his meticulous approach to selecting a partner. He was particularly impressed by Outlaw’s consistency: "He scored every time, and was just easy." Despite Woolsey primarily using him for heading at numbered ropings, Graham immediately recognized Outlaw’s potential for high-stakes competition. "When I got him, I went right to jackpotting on him and rodeoing on him in Canada, whether he was ready or not," Graham stated, indicating a clear vision for the horse’s future from the outset.

Outlaw’s unique traits extend beyond his personality. The horse has a long-standing aversion to traditional shoeing, particularly on his hind legs. Graham, who handles his own horseshoeing, eventually conceded to Outlaw’s preference, allowing him to go barefoot in the back for the past six years. "I used to get the back left done, but couldn’t get the back right done, so I just quit trying," Graham explained. This unconventional approach to hoof care has proven effective, as Outlaw’s consistent activity keeps his hooves naturally trimmed. This anecdote not only illustrates Outlaw’s strong will but also Graham’s adaptability and willingness to work with, rather than against, his horse’s eccentricities.

The Foundation of a Dynasty: Canadian Dominance and Early Milestones

Outlaw’s impact on Dawson Graham’s career, and by extension, the Graham family’s team roping legacy, has been transformative. Since acquiring Outlaw, Graham estimates he has ridden him in 90 to 95% of his runs, a testament to the horse’s reliability and versatility. "He gets most of the rodeo runs and quite a bit of the jackpotting at the good ones," Graham noted, underscoring Outlaw’s central role in their competitive strategy. Even off the clock, Outlaw is Graham’s preferred mount: "I still practice on him, just because I like to rope on him." This consistent engagement, including practicing four times a week leading up to the Finals, has honed their partnership to an exceptional degree. Graham unequivocally states, "He’s been the best practice horse, jackpot horse and rodeo horse I’ve ever had. He’s just so easy."

The partnership between Dawson, 27, and his younger brother Dillon, 25, extends far beyond the rodeo arena. "We’ve been on the same team all our lives — baseball, hockey, everything," Dillon once remarked, illustrating the deep-rooted synergy that defines their collaboration. This lifelong teamwork seamlessly transitioned into team roping, where they have achieved significant success within the Canadian professional rodeo circuit. In 2022, the Graham brothers were crowned the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) champions, a landmark achievement that solidified their status as a formidable force. A year later, in 2023, Outlaw received the coveted title of Canadian Head Horse of the Year, a prestigious award recognizing his consistent excellence and crucial contributions to the team’s success.

The Graham brothers have consistently demonstrated their prowess, qualifying for four Canadian Finals Rodeos (CFR) together in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024. In three of those four years, they entered the CFR as the regular-season leaders, a remarkable feat that speaks volumes about their consistency and Outlaw’s reliability. These years of dominant performance in Canada laid the groundwork for their eventual push into the broader North American rodeo scene, with Outlaw serving as the unwavering captain of their ship.

Ascension to the Pinnacle: The National Finals Rodeo and Beyond

The culmination of their Canadian success and Outlaw’s consistent performance propelled Dawson and Dillon Graham to the sport’s highest stage: the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). In 2025, they made their inaugural appearance at the NFR, a dream realized through years of dedication and Outlaw’s steadfast presence. Qualifying for the NFR is the ultimate goal for most professional rodeo athletes, representing the pinnacle of achievement in the sport. Outlaw’s ability to perform consistently across diverse arena conditions and varying levels of pressure was instrumental in this significant step in their careers.

"He went just about everywhere last year, and he’s gone about everywhere this year, too," Dawson affirmed, highlighting Outlaw’s tireless travel schedule and his adaptability to different setups, from small jackpots to major professional rodeos. This unwavering consistency is a critical asset in the grueling professional rodeo circuit, where variables such as arena size, ground conditions, and steer quality can drastically impact performance. "Not second-guessing what you saddle is big. I can trust Outlaw in the arena, and when things don’t go as planned, it’s pilot error," Graham explained, emphasizing the profound confidence he places in his horse. This trust allows Graham to focus entirely on his own technique, secure in the knowledge that Outlaw will execute his part flawlessly.

Outlaw’s user-friendly nature extends beyond professional competition. "Anybody can rope on Outlaw. He’s the easiest horse ever. If you need to get a little closer, just kick him one more time. He doesn’t ever duck," Graham stated. This remarkable temperament, despite his initial "prickly" demeanor, makes him a valuable asset for various riders. His wife, Cora Graham, a formidable No. 5 header in her own right, regularly rides Outlaw at jackpots, further demonstrating his versatility and reliability across different skill levels and competitive environments.

The Unforgettable 2026 Season: Record-Breaking Performances

The 2026 season has firmly etched Outlaw and Dawson Graham into the annals of team roping history, marked by a series of monumental achievements. In June, the duo shattered records at the iconic Reno Rodeo, setting a new fast-time benchmark of 3.7 seconds. The Reno Rodeo, often dubbed "The Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West," is known for its intense competition and challenging conditions. To set a new record there speaks volumes about the precision, speed, and synergy of the Graham-Outlaw team. This run wasn’t just fast; it dominated the second round by over half a second, a significant margin in a sport often decided by hundredths of a second. This performance sent a clear message to the team roping community: Outlaw and the Grahams were operating at an elite level.

Following their triumph in Reno, the team continued their winning streak in July at the California Rodeo Salinas. This event is legendary for its unique "longest scoreline" in professional rodeo, demanding exceptional control and timing from both horse and rider. The extensive distance from the box to the barrier requires a header’s horse to maintain speed and position over a greater stretch, a true test of equine athleticism and rider judgment. Outlaw’s ability to navigate this challenging setup and secure the win in the only five-header competition at Salinas underscored his versatility and mental fortitude. He proved he could excel not just in lightning-fast setups but also in endurance-based, technically demanding scenarios.

While the Reno and Salinas victories garnered significant attention, Graham considers their 4.2-second Round 2 win on a "strong steer" at Hermiston in August as potentially their best performance. A "strong steer" refers to an animal that runs harder, faster, or is more unpredictable, making it inherently more difficult to rope. To achieve a 4.2-second run under such challenging conditions speaks volumes about Outlaw’s consistency and his ability to adapt to varying livestock. "Outlaw’s the same every single time, and it doesn’t matter if you’re trying to be 3 or just catch," Graham reiterated, emphasizing the horse’s unwavering reliability. His dedication to the sport is also evident in his eagerness to enter the arena: "He wants to get in that arena. You go ride him toward the box, and it’s game on. He loves it." This intrinsic motivation is a rare and invaluable trait in a competitive animal.

A Horse for All Seasons (and Riders): Outlaw’s Versatility

Beyond the high-pressure environment of professional rodeos, Outlaw consistently proves his mettle in the demanding world of jackpotting. His reliability and ease of handling make him an ideal partner for a variety of ropers, including Dawson’s wife, Cora Graham. Cora, a skilled No. 5 header, frequently rides Outlaw in jackpots, showcasing his ability to adjust to different riders and competitive scenarios.

One of the most notable examples of Outlaw’s impact beyond Dawson’s hands occurred at the 2023 Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale in Las Vegas. This prestigious event, known for its massive payouts, saw Cora Graham and Outlaw team up with Jake Howe in the #10.5 roping. Their performance culminated in an astounding $80,000 day, a testament to Outlaw’s consistent excellence and his capacity to elevate any rider who sits in his saddle. The Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale attracts thousands of competitors and offers millions in prize money, making any significant win there a career-defining moment. For Outlaw to be instrumental in such a substantial payout, even when ridden by another header, solidifies his reputation as one of the most valuable and versatile head horses in the sport. This demonstrates that his performance is not solely tied to Dawson’s specific riding style but is inherent to his own capabilities and training.

Behind the Scenes: Outlaw’s Unique Care and Lifestyle

Outlaw, a striking golden horse, stands approximately 15.1 hands tall and weighs between 1,100 to 1,200 pounds. Despite his demanding competitive schedule, he is an "easy keeper," a term in the equestrian world referring to horses that maintain good body condition on relatively little feed. At home, his diet primarily consists of hay, while on the road, he enjoys hay cubes supplemented with Unbeetable Feeds, ensuring he receives optimal nutrition to sustain his performance.

His unique preferences extend to his gear. Outlaw famously wears only bell boots, a choice that has become a defining characteristic. "Going beyond that is just a fight," Dawson stated, illustrating his pragmatic approach to his horse’s comfort and compliance. This detail, along with his barefoot hind hooves, highlights a care philosophy centered on listening to the horse’s needs and adapting to them, rather than strictly adhering to conventional methods. This personalized care regime contributes to Outlaw’s overall well-being and, consequently, his consistent performance.

While Outlaw is the primary mount, Dawson Graham does maintain a secondary head horse, a sorrel named Ho Ho (registered as Streakin Jose), who is 14 years old. Ho Ho was acquired from the 2016 World Champion Header Levi Simpson. This secondary horse provides a crucial backup and allows Outlaw some respite during particularly grueling stretches of the rodeo season. For instance, during the intense Fourth of July run in 2026, which involved approximately 12 rodeos, Dawson split his time between the two. "I rode Ho Ho at five rodeos, and Outlaw at the rest," he explained. Ho Ho also saw action in California in the spring and at "maybe eight or nine rodeos" over the summer, making it "a pretty easy year for him." The strategic management of both horses ensures that Outlaw remains fresh and healthy for the most critical competitions, a testament to Graham’s long-term planning and commitment to animal welfare.

The Graham Brotherhood: A Partnership of Trust and Ambition

The success of Dawson and Dillon Graham is not merely the sum of individual talents but a profound synergy born from a lifetime of shared experiences. Their partnership is characterized by an unspoken understanding and mutual trust that eliminates the need for extensive communication in the arena. "We don’t ever have to talk about anything or discuss a run," Dawson revealed, highlighting the intuitive connection that allows them to perform seamlessly as a unit. This level of unspoken communication is invaluable in the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of professional team roping.

Their journey together has been a constant collaboration, marked by shared sacrifice and unwavering support. "We’ve literally been with each other every step of the way all our lives. We go everywhere together, and split the driving and the fuel," Dawson elaborated. This shared commitment to their craft fosters a unique bond where both brothers are acutely aware of the other’s dedication. "We always know we’re both trying as hard as we can, we’re wanting to win and we have to win," he emphasized. The only perceived downside to such a close partnership, according to Dawson, is the emotional weight of potential disappointment: "The only con I can think of is when you don’t do good, you feel bad for letting your brother down." This sentiment underscores the depth of their fraternal bond and their shared responsibility for their collective success. In this dynamic, Outlaw serves as the ultimate facilitator, providing the consistent platform upon which their combined talents can shine.

The Broader Implications: Redefining the Ideal Rodeo Horse

Outlaw’s career trajectory and remarkable achievements offer significant insights into the evolving landscape of professional rodeo and equine partnerships. His success, despite a temperament that many might consider challenging, fundamentally questions the conventional wisdom surrounding the ideal rodeo horse. While many riders seek horses with placid dispositions, Outlaw proves that raw talent, an unwavering work ethic, and consistency in the arena can far outweigh a sweet demeanor. His story underscores the importance of a rider’s ability to understand and work with a horse’s individual personality, rather than trying to force it into a preconceived mold.

Dawson Graham’s unwavering trust in Outlaw, despite his quirks, has been a cornerstone of their success. The consistent message from Graham is that Outlaw "never lets them down." He provides an unparalleled level of reliability, ensuring that any error in a run is "pilot error" and not due to the horse’s performance. This level of confidence in an animal is rare and invaluable, allowing Graham to take risks and push boundaries in pursuit of victory.

Outlaw’s achievements, particularly the record-breaking run at Reno and the Salinas win, position him as a potential legend in the making. He embodies the spirit of a true competitor—a "war horse" who comes alive in the arena, thrives under pressure, and consistently delivers. His legacy will likely inspire future generations of team ropers to look beyond superficial traits and seek out the inherent toughness and competitive drive that truly define a champion. Outlaw has not only taken Dawson Graham to the "highest level" but has also redefined what it means to be an elite head horse in the demanding world of professional rodeo, proving that sometimes, the most challenging personalities yield the most extraordinary results.

"He’s a little hard to love, but I love roping on him," Dawson Graham concluded, a statement that perfectly encapsulates their unique bond. "He’s the toughest horse I’ve ever owned, and he’s a winner. Outlaw’s taken me to the highest level. I always thought I headed decent, but not to this extent. Outlaw gives me a chance to play every time. I never have to second-guess him." This profound appreciation for Outlaw’s contribution, despite his unconventional nature, speaks to the deep respect and understanding that has forged their championship legacy. Outlaw’s name will undoubtedly echo through the rodeo arenas for years to come, a testament to his indomitable spirit and the extraordinary partnership he shares with Dawson Graham.