Twelve cowboys from all over the United States move onto a cattle ranch, where fast friendships are formed and battle lines quickly drawn; Trace Adkins puts the cowboys to the test in a team challenge that will determine who stays and who goes home.
The remaining 10 cowboys show off their skills in a timed calf-roping challenge; later, a team challenge reveals that some of the contestants lack the experience needed to compete at this level; one cowboy's antics lead to an angry confrontation.
With only eight cowboys left, the pressure is on. In an attempt to win immunity from elimination, one cowboy takes the bull by the horns and pays the price. Jared and Ethan finally bury the hatchet, and Trace Adkins tells two more cowboys to go home.
As the last woman in the competition, J Storme continues to impress the remaining cowboys. Zane wins a medley race of cowboy skills, and Ethan's reputation as a cattle boss is put to the test. In a shocking elimination, two cowboys are sent packing.
Trace Adkins challenges the four remaining contestants to demonstrate their mastery of essential cowboy skills. Two cowboys make rookie mistakes that may cost them the herd, while another falls short for the first time.
In a final showdown, the last three contestants are out to prove who is the top all-around cowboy; in the arena, they show off their horsemanship skills; then, they drive a herd across challenging obstacles; one of them will win the showdown.