In the world of rodeo, luck of the draw works in multiple ways. Sure, the stock you’re assigned to ride or rope or wrestle is key. The order in which you compete can be a factor.

And for multi-day rodeos, the day you compete can make a big difference. Tie-down roper Ty Harris can vouch for that.

On Thursday morning at the Sisters (Ore.) Rodeo, Harris made his two runs. The first was a relatively nondescript 10.0-second effort. Harris was significantly faster catching his second calf, a solid 8.6-second effort.

“The first round, I had to run my calf a little bit,” said Harris, 24. “The second round, I had a great calf. I didn’t get in the way of myself, and I got a good time. It worked out.”

But there were still several good cowboys awaiting their two rounds, competing Friday, Saturday or Sunday. So Harris tempered his expectations.

“After I rode out of the arena, I told my dad I was probably gonna win fourth in the average, with the quality of the ropers still competing – a good field and good calves,” he said. “But I didn’t know the weather was gonna be bad.”

Indeed, Thursday’s contestants got the better of Mother Nature during the four-day rodeo.

“It rained the next three days, when everybody else roped. I was fortunate to get to rope in good conditions,” Harris said. “Rodeo doesn’t get canceled or delayed. No matter what the weather, rodeo happens.”

In the end, Harris’ first-round run was good for a seventh-place tie and a modest $346. His stronger second-round run was good for a fourth-place tie and another $1,400 or so. And when both runs were added up, well, he wasn’t fourth in the average. Rather, he was first with a total time of 18.6 seconds, nearly a second ahead of second-place Jared Parke (19.4).

That led to another $3,410 for a total cash out of more than $5,100. As such, the three-time Wrangler NFR qualifier stayed well on track for a fourth straight Vegas trip. Harris is currently seventh in the tie-down world standings, with $51,777 so far this year.

“This is by far the best start I’ve ever had. It feels really good. I’ve been blessed to run a lot of great calves in the winter and spring,” he said, before giving a deserved nod to his trusty steed, Spiderman. “I’ve got a horse that puts me in position to win every time I’m in the box. I feel very confident, because I know what he’s gonna do.
“I just need to keep getting out of the barrier good, roping the neck, giving myself chances.”

Other winners at the $167,094 rodeo were all-around cowboy Jared Parke ($4,052, tie-down roping and team roping); bareback rider Keenan Hayes (85.5 points on Flying 5 Rodeo’s Miss Major); steer wrestler Jace Melvin (10.5 seconds on two head); team ropers Jake Cooper/Sid Sporer and Rhen Richard/Jeremy Buhler (5.0 seconds); saddle bronc rider CoBurn Bradshaw (*89.5 points on Flying 5 Rodeo’s Spring Plantin); barrel racer Taycie Matthews (17.73 seconds); breakaway roper Samantha Fulton (2.7 seconds); and bull rider Ky Hamilton (88.5 points on Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Billy Hell). * Arena Record

Courtesy of PRCA: Main articles

Las Vegas Events announced today that it has launched this year’s mobile application for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo®. The early edition app provides valuable information for ticket holders, as well as access to the latest news and information.

The 2022 early edition app includes the My NFR Account feature which allows fans to access their account 24/7. Through their mobile device, fans can view and add tickets to digital wallets, buy and sell their tickets directly through StubHub, the Official Fan to Fan Marketplace of the Wrangler NFR.

The current edition of the NFR App includes the following five main features:

The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas – Contains info about the official gift show of the Wrangler NFR;
YETI Junior World Finals – Prepare for the ten days of action inside the Wrangler Rodeo Arena;
News, Blogs & Happenings – Follow our stable of bloggers, sign up for push notifications, check in on the NFR Extra Podcast, connect with fans and friends via social media and stay up to date on the Wrangler NFR;
Sponsors & Partners – Connect to all of our key sponsors and supporters;
My NFR Account & Tickets – Complete 24/7 access to a fans ticketing account allowing them to manage their tickets, buy and sell tickets or transfer tickets at their leisure.

The NFR Experience Mobile Application is free and available on all platforms. For more information, please click here.

The second edition of the NFR App will launch in October and include all schedules, entertainment around town, What’s Hot and additional elements.

The Wrangler NFR, which is scheduled this year at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas Dec. 1-10, will have a record-setting competition payout of more than $10.9 million.

Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2021, the event had a total attendance of 169,539 over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out more than 340 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at /LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest ProRodeo news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit nfrupdates.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Las Vegas Events announced today that the 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will see an increase in the payout at the world’s largest rodeo in December for the second consecutive year.

The Wrangler NFR scheduled this year at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas Dec. 1-10, will have a record-setting competition payout of more than $10.9 million. This amount includes guaranteed prize money of $1.2 million for all NFR qualifiers and $9,700,098 in competition prize money.

Between 2015 and 2020, the NFR paid out a total of $10 million – $8.8 million in competition prize money and $1.2 million in guaranteed prize money to qualifiers. The total purse increased to $10,257,048 in 2021.

Based on the updated purse in 2022, the increase will see round winners take home $28,914 per round and average winners earn $74,150. Each go-round will pay a total of $93,270, while the average total will pay $279,811 per event.

The stock contractor pay – which is 30% of the contestant payout – increased to $3,270,030.

Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2021, the event had a total attendance of 169,539 over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out more than 340 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at /LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest ProRodeo news and Wrangler NFR TV coverage, please visit prorodeo.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association announced in a press release that the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping will take place at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nov. 29-30.

The Top 15 breakaway ropers will compete for prize money of $250,000 during the two-day, 10-round performance.

“I’m pleased to see the continued success and growth of breakaway roping since the inaugural National Finals Breakaway Roping in 2020,” PRCA CEO Tom Glause said. “Breakaway roping has experienced rapid growth and it is now featured at over 300 PRCA rodeos annually. This success has resulted in an increase of prize money at the NFBR to reach $250,000.”

The 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is Dec. 1-10 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Jimmie Munroe, WPRA president, also is excited for the 2022 NFBR.

“The WPRA is looking forward to the National Finals in the Women’s Breakaway Roping being held at the South Point Hotel and Casino during the the PRCA Convention,” Munroe said. “So many committees are having breakaway roping at their rodeos and now they along with fans will have the opportunity to see the best women breakaway ropers in the world compete at the South Point.”

The South Point Hotel, which is a hotspot for contestants and visitors during the Wrangler NFR, is glad to be the event venue for the 2022 Wrangler NFBR.

“We are thrilled to host the National Finals Breakaway Roping at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center,” said Ryan Growney, General Manager of the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa. “When Paula and Michael Gaughan built the South Point, they created a place that Cowboys and Cowgirls could call their home away from home – we call it Vegas Cowboy Central. With the addition of the Breakaway Finals, we’ll call it Vegas Cowgirl Central, and it will be an amazing addition to all of the other events and activities held at the South Point during those first two weeks in December.”

The 2020 National Finals Breakaway Roping took place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, in conjunction with the NFR and Jackie Crawford captured the inaugural world championship. Last year the NFBR took place in Las Vegas at the Orleans Hotel and Casino and was won by Sawyer Gilbert.

Courtesy of PRCA

As the days go on the field of competitors is narrowing itself down at RodeoHouston. Two Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifiers punched their tickets to the semifinals in Super Series 2.

Tie-down roper Tyler Milligan and bull rider Trevor Kastner both finished in the No.1 qualifier spot for the Super Shootout next week.

Milligan locked up his spot with two round wins with a pair of 7.8 and 7.9-second runs. It’s a place he’s felt comfortable roping at over the years.

“I really like that rodeo, it seems to fit me pretty well when it comes to my roping style,” said Milligan, 24. “It’s a longer box and it fits my style a little better. I drew great calves the entire time I was down there, so I just tried to stay out of my own way.”

The Pawhuska, Okla., cowboy’s last trip to the Wrangler NFR was in 2020. He said indoor winter rodeos can set you up for a successful season if you can take advantage of the opportunity in front of you.

“If you can have a good winter, it can definitely set you up to make the Finals that’s for sure. It’s a lot easier taking off in the summer when you have a little bit of money won,” he said.

“It not only puts a little something in your pockets to travel, but it can provide confidence to a guy as well to keep it rolling.”

Trevor Kastner is another cowboy that hopes his recent stretch of success has his 2022 ProRodeo season pointed in the right direction. The veteran bull rider is sitting 21st in the latest PRCA | RAM World Standings but could see his spot in the standings rise after qualifying for the Houston semifinals.

“Just staying on was the main reason (for my success) and getting my bulls rode down there I guess,” said Kastner, a six-time Wrangler NFR qualifier. “In these rodeos where you have to qualify if you can stay on, you’re probably going to advance because you’re going against eight or 10 guys instead of the normal 60 at a full-on rodeo.”

Kastner won Round 1 with an 84-point ride on Cervi Brothers Rodeo’s Jack Hammer, then followed that up with a second-place finish in Round 3 to earn $5,000 in the Super Series. He plans to carry his same mentality into next week’s semifinal.

“It’s one of those deals where you just have to find a way to stay on three more,” he said. “That includes the semifinals, the short round, and then the final four round.

“I’m the type of guy where I try to have the same mentality every time, whether you’re riding for $1,000 or $50,000. Just go out there and do your job and try to stay on your bull.”

You can catch the semifinal action and the remainder of Rodeo Houston video highlights on The Cowboy Channel and the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, March 9-19.

The inaugural NFR Playoff will play a bigger role than ever when it pays out $1 million the second weekend of September.

The NFR Playoff will take place at the Puyallup Rodeo at the Washington State Fair, Sept. 8-11, and will crown the champions of the season-long NFR Playoff Series presented by Pendleton Whisky. The $1 million payout just before the PRCA regular season ends on Sept. 30 will play a key role in catapulting athletes into the 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge.

“We are proud to have the NFR Playoff as a part of the storied Puyallup Rodeo and it will offer a great payout for our athletes and crown NFR Playoff Series champions,” PRCA CEO Tom Glause said. “It will also play a huge factor in helping them secure berths for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.”

The Top 23 competitors in each event from the NFR Playoff Series Standings – plus each winner from the NFR Open powered by RAM, July 13-16, in Colorado Springs, Colo. – will compete for their share of $1 million in Puyallup.

“We’re really excited about partnering with the PRCA to be the NFR Playoff,” said Jeff Hogan, chairman of the Puyallup Rodeo Committee and 2022 president of the Washington State Fair. “We’re excited to host this $1 million finale. After coming out of the pandemic, we see this as something very exciting for our community and for the Washington State Fair.”

The Washington State Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the United States with more than one million people attending annually.

In addition to bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding, breakaway roping will be held at the NFR Playoff.

“All eyes will be on this event at the end of the year with NFR berths on the line,” said Jimmie Munroe, WPRA President. “We are excited to have breakaway roping included with equal money and can’t wait to see all the action play out in this unique environment alongside the Washington State Fair.”

The NFR Playoff will air on The Cowboy Channel and stream on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App. For more information, visit cowboychannelplus.com.

The ProRodeo season concludes Sept. 30. The Top 15 athletes in the PRCA | RAM World Standings in each event will qualify for the 2022 Wrangler NFR presented by Teton Ridge.

The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is back this year! The annual event was cancelled last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year crews are ready for a larger than life event!

Growing up in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, I always loved going to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Not only was it a yearly family tradition, and more than just your average rodeo, but there are enough activities to wear anyone out. In addition to the rodeo, there’s both horse and livestock shows, over 300 vendors, a parade which takes place on opening weekend, and even a midway full of carnival games and rides that will satisfy any thrill seeker. They even have live music as well! Both Clint Black, and Kansas will be headlining the Auditorium Concert Series this year.

Organizers say that while they want families to come out, have fun, and enjoy themselves, they will be taking appropriate precautions to minimize COVID-19 risk. Hand sanitizer stations will be scattered though out the stock yards, and while not required, masks will be available free of charge to anyone who wants one. WFAA in Dallas/Ft. Worth reports that, visitors will even be able to get vaccinated on site for free. Booster shots will also be available as well.

The Cowboys of Color Rodeo, which highlights African American, Hispanic and Native American culture, is coming to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. More than 200 culturally diverse cowboys and cowgirls will compete in rodeo events like bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and calf roping. The rodeo, which began in 1971, was designed to “educate while it entertains,” highlighting diverse cultural contributions to the West.

• When: Monday, Jan. 17, 2 p.m.
• Where: Dickies Arena
• Cost: $30
• How to watch: Click here

RELATED: Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Cancels Saturday’s All-Western Parade

The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo is canceling Saturday’s All-Western Parade due to weather.

The stock show said due to the Wind Advisory issued by the National Weather Service the rodeo, along with officials with the City of Fort Worth’s Office of Emergency Management, decided to cancel the parade scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. in downtown FWSSR.

“The safety of our guests is always top of mind for us and we never make these decisions lightly,” said Stock Show President and General Manager, Bradford S. Barnes. “For the sake of everyone – participants including horses and guests – we firmly believe this is the best decision from a safety standpoint.”

The Wind Advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Saturday. The NWS said northwest winds 25 mph to 35 mph are expected with gusts in excess of 55 mph is possible.

With winds of that speed, unsecured outdoor items may be blown around in the
wind. Driving on area roadways may become difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Guests who have purchased reserved seating for the parade will receive email instructions from Ticketmaster regarding refunds for their ticket purchases.

The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo makes its return to Denver this weekend after a pandemic-induced hiatus — the event’s second-ever cancellation since its 1906 debut.

• The 16-day tradition runs Jan. 8–23 at the National Western Complex.

Of note: Despite surging Omicron cases and criticism from public health officials, the show is back in full swing — mostly. Organizers canceled the iconic kickoff parade, scheduled for Thursday, citing expected weather issues.

🤠 Here’s a roundup of everything else you need to know:

• Ticket information: Costs vary depending on your pass, day of the week and event. Prices for adults range from $17–$70. Admission is free for everyone on Jan. 11.
• COVID protocols: Proof of vaccination will not be required, but masks are mandated indoors for visitors and Stock Show participants, with the exception of people eating and drinking. (Public officials warn the festival is “not the place to be for those who’ve not been boosted.”)
• What not to miss: The Mexican rodeo extravaganza, dancing horses, or the grand pix show. For a full schedule, click here.
• Shops and food: More than 300 vendors sell a variety of food, clothes, collectables and more at the National Western Complex. Scope out your favorites.

With weather forecasts calling for snow and “dangerously low temperatures,” National Western Stock Show officials canceled the downtown parade and an event planned at McGregor Square in Denver on Thursday.

“We will not risk animal safety with slick streets,” President and CEO Paul Andrews said Tuesday. “Being right isn’t always popular; and being popular isn’t always right. We made the right decision, although a very tough one here.”

“After meeting with weather professionals, veterinarians, livestock and horse experts, we have decided to cancel the parade this Thursday,” Andrews said in a statement. “The forecast calls for snow Wednesday evening and continuing through the night. The larger problems are the single-digit temperatures and high winds making for icy conditions.

“Due to the risk for the parade entries traveling to Denver in high-profile vehicles hauling animals and hitches, as well as the risk for the animals along the parade route, the decision has been made to cancel.”

After the 2021 show was canceled because of COVID-19 concerns, many were looking forward to this year’s kickoff parade, where longhorn steers march down 17th Street and end up in the lobby of the posh Brown Palace Hotel.

First responders were going to be this year’s grand marshal — a first, instead of one or two people serving as grand marshal.

While the 16-day show opens Saturday morning at the Stock Show grounds and Denver Coliseum, Friday is going to be a big day with the ribbon cutting for the new stockyards and the Colorado State University Spur campus, which hosts an event for the new Vida building Friday afternoon.

There’s also high national interest — livestock owners from 42 states registered to show animals at the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo 2022, which runs through Jan. 23. More than 700,000 people are expected to participate in the celebration of agriculture, rodeo, commerce and Western heritage, Andrews said.

“Start with the grand opening of the new stockyards. That alone makes this year’s ticket a historic keepsake,” Andrews said previously, noting the last time the show had a stockyard grand opening was in 1906.

“These stockyards will forever change the way livestock are marketed in the United States,” he said.