RODEO NEWS

WPRA, INFR, and PRCA Expand Partnership to Promote Native Athletes in PRORODEO

By Ann Bleiker

The Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) kicks off today through Saturday, Oct. 18 in Las Vegas at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center. More than just a rodeo, the INFR represents a living celebration of Indigenous heritage, athleticism, and community spirit. With top contestants from across the United States and Canada, rich traditions, and prize money that spans the million-dollar mark throughout the season, this year’s Finals are shaping up to be unforgettable.

Founded in 1976, the INFR was born from the dream of uniting regional Indian rodeo associations into a single national finals. Its first Finals were held in the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah, and since then, it has grown into one of the largest rodeo organizations in the world, sanctioning nearly 700 rodeos annually. Today, the INFR operates across 11 regions.

In 2023, the INFR and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association launched a new program committed to recruiting more Native competitors. In 2025 the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association joins the effort to showcase Native athletes on rodeo’s biggest stages by offering the champions in barrel racing and breakaway roping a free WPRA permit or WPRA membership for the 2026 rodeo season.

“We are excited to partner with the INFR and provide this great opportunity,” said WPRA President Heidi Schmidt. “The INFR has given competitors like Kassidy Dennison, Danielle Lowman, and Bailey Bates a platform to hone their skills and realize their dreams within the WPRA.”

As the PRCA, WPRA, and INFR deepen collaboration, the future is clear: more opportunity, stronger representation, and continued Native excellence on PRORODEO’S biggest stages.

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