Different Types of Events, Organizations & Associations

Camarie Roorda
Jan 7
5 min read

Fun Shows

Fun shows are local shows generally produced by a saddle club, 4H club or other local equine group. They have lots of different classes at a low cost. Usually $2-$10 per class with ribbons, candy and smaller prizes for awards. Sometimes they keep points for series. The classes are usually fun with different speeds. Some are on foot and others are on horseback. Some are with a saddle, some are bareback. Some have one person in the arena at a time, some of multiple. Some are individual classes, others are team classes.

These are really fun, family oriented events that kids and adults can participate in. They're affordable and a great place to spend a lot of time riding and learning how to ride while having fun with friends and making memories!

Local youth or junior associations

These events are specific to youth in a certain area. Generally ran by volunteers. Points may or may not be calculated for year-end prizes. Not affiliated with nationwide association or organization. Consecutive events usually take place arena. Some are run at private and/or personal facilities.

Jackpots

A jackpot are competitions open to all ages and genders.

Rules vary from one event to the next.

Barrel Racing Jackpots
- Often split up into classes by age. (i.e. youth, adult, senior, open).
- Most are formatted as a Divisional barrel race that gives all levels of riders and horses a chance to win money.
- Barrel racing can be set up in many different formats, but usually it is in a 4D format. Meaning, the first division is the fastest time, the second division is the fastest time plus half a second, the third division is the fastest time plus one second, and the fourth division is the fastest time plus two seconds.

Team Roping Jackpots:
- Also formatted with a numbered handicap system.
- Roper is given a number based on their level of ability starting at a 3. Meaning your average catch percentage is 30%. Ropers are numbered up to 10 on both heading and heeling.
- Jackpots are “number” from a 7 to a 15. Meaning, only a team with the combined total of 7 can rope in a #7 roping. This eliminates high numbered ropers from being able to enter lower numbered ropings. A #3 roper can enter a #15 roping, but they would be roping against high level ropers and the odds would not be in their favor.

An “open” team roping jackpot is open to any number. These generally consist of #15+ teams that are very competitive.

Open Rodeos

An open rodeo is open to anyone who wants to enter. These are generally not limited by age or gender and are not affiliated with any associations or organizations. These often eliminate the expense of memberships and awards.

Amateur Rodeo Associations

Any rodeo that is not affiliated with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association is considered to be an amateur rodeo.

An amateur rodeo association is generally governed by a board who enforces rules specific to that association. Many amatuer rodeo associations are state and regional associations set up for people who either aren’t at the level to compete at PRCA rodeos or cannot commit to the travel and time that comes with competing in the PRCA.

Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., is the oldest and biggest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. The recognized leader in professional rodeo, the PRCA is committed to maintaining the highest standards in the industry in every area, from improving working conditions for contestants and monitoring livestock welfare to boosting entertainment value and promoting sponsors.

As a membership-driven organization, the PRCA works to ensure that every event it sanctions is managed with fairness and competence and that the livestock used is healthy and cared for to the highest standards. Learn more about the PRCA.

National Little Britches Rodeo Association

The National High School Rodeo Association is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the development of sportsmanship, horsemanship and character in the youth of our country through the sport of rodeo. Created by Texas educator and rodeo contestant Claude Mullins, the NHSRA held its first finals in Hallettsville, Texas, Aug. 25-27, 1949. The NHSRA membership consists of over 12,500 members from 44 states, five Canadian provinces Mexico, New Zealand and Australia.The National High School Rodeo Association is governed by National Directors (one representative from each state/provincial association). These volunteer board members are dedicated to the success of the NHSRA and the youth of North America. They also take the responsibility for the planning of the National High School Finals Rodeo each year.

The NHSRA, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, has a full-time staff that conducts the day-to-day business of the association. This professional staff is available to assist with sponsorship programs, answer questions and provide for the needs of the association’s membership.

National High School Rodeo Association

National Junior High Rodeo Association

Created in 2004, the NHSRA Junior High Division was established to bring the excitement of the sport to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and to serve as a feeder system into the high school ranks of the Association. Today, all 48 states and provinces that belong to the NHSRA also produce a Junior High Division as well, with over 2,500 members in total now competing. Junior High Division students compete in a variety of events, including Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Goat Tying, Breakaway Roping, Tie-Down Roping, Chute Dogging, Team Roping, Ribbon Roping, and Junior Bull Riding, Bareback Steer Riding and Saddle Bronc Steer Riding.

Each summer, the “best of the best” from each state and province qualify for the National Junior High Finals Rodeo. Approximately 1,000 competitors show off their talents in the event and compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and prizes.

If you have any questions about the NHSRA Junior High Division or the National Junior High Finals Rodeo, please contact the NHSRA national office at 1-800-466-4772.