Big & Rich Celebrate 20th Anniversary Of ‘Save A Horse (Ride a Cowboy)’ With Epic HARDY Collab At CMA Fest

Big & Rich returned to the CMA Fest stage to reprise their iconic hit, “Save A Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” with country/rocker HARDY. 

Together, the artists delivered an energy-filled performance at CMA Fest inside Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, sending fans into a frenzy as they stepped onto the stage for the surprise moment. 

Big Kenny donned his signature top hat for the occasion while Rich sported a fur coat. HARDY continued to work the stage throughout the surprise performance. 

Before the show, HARDY admitted that this collaboration was completely unexpected.  

We have a big surprise tonight. I would’ve never in a million years thought that we would be doing this, only not because of the people or the song, which they’re both great, but I just didn’t have it in my bingo card as the kids say,” he teased.  

“Save A Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” was released by Big & Rich in 2003 and at the time, the lyrics and sound were quite groundbreaking for the country music genre. Written by Big Kenny and John Rich, the song served as the second single from the duo’s Horse of a Different Color album and ultimately climbed the charts to No. 11. 

This performance was in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the song, which ultimately changed country music forever. 

HARDY called the opportunity to perform it with Big & Rich “insane” and admitted he couldn’t wait.  

The genre-bending star’s CMA Fest set also included a surprise from Lauren Alaina. During the show, he also performed his newest release, “SIX FEET UNDER (Caleigh’s Song).” 

HARDY is currently on the road touring as part of his headlining Quit!! Tour. The trek runs through late July.   

Hosted by Jelly Roll and Ashley McBryde, CMA Fest on ABC also included performances by Kelsea Ballerini, Big & Rich, Clint Black, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Terri Clark, Jordan Davis, Jackson Dean, Billy F Gibbons, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Little Big Town, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Blake Shelton, Brittney Spencer, The War And Treaty, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman. 

The three-hour concert special, dubbed “the Music Event of the Summer,” was filmed during CMA Fest in Nashville, which took place Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9, 2024. 

CMA Fest 2025 is scheduled for Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8 in Nashville. Four-day passes are available for purchase now. For more details, visit the official CMA Fest website.