Equine Network and Lazy E Arena have signed a landmark 10-year partnership to host the Ruby Buckle Barrel Race and the Pink Buckle Barrel Race & Horse Sale. 

This extends the long-established relationship between the industry’s leading entities and guarantees that Guthrie, Oklahoma, will continue to host these world-class events.

“The Lazy E team is committed to excellence,” said Chad Beus, co-founder of Pink and Ruby Buckle. “They’ve proven it time and time again, and we’re excited that they’ve committed to investing in the expansion of their facility. That will complement our formats and horse sales, making the E the perfect home for our events, which bring the heart and soul of the horse industry to Guthrie.”

With a combined $5.95 million guaranteed minimum payout for the two 2025 events alone, these barrel races provide unrivaled competitions and purses. Lazy E’s investment into growing the Western sports in a family-friendly environment includes the construction of a new, 30,000 square foot events center that will cater to horse sales and trade shows, a new covered arena, five new horse barns that will provide an additional 426 new Priefert stalls and a shower, restroom and laundry facility.

“Our goal isn’t to be the biggest; our goal is to be the best fit for the events that call the E home,” said Dan Wall, Lazy E vice president and general manager. “We needed to add these new amenities to stay up with the growth of our tremendous events.”

The Lazy E works tirelessly to prepare world-class footing for these top-tier events that can withstand the volume of runs and remain consistent from the first run to the last run each day–and from day one to day 10. With acres of dedicated RV spots that provide ample space to camp while still being close to your horses, and a large, covered warm-up arena, the championship caliber of facilities and competition are a match.

“The Pink and Ruby Buckle events originated at the E, and we’ve been privileged to watch them grow into the events they are today,” said Wall. “They have completely changed the landscape of the barrel racing industry for everyone, and we appreciate the opportunity to continue to play a small role in their success for the next 10 years.”

About Equine Network, LLC  
Equine Network’s membership services are designed to entertain, support and inform the equine community, and include unique tech-enabled services for horse owners, live equestrian events, innovative content and engaging digital experiences. For more information, visit EquiNenetwork.com.

About Lazy E Arena, LLC
Lazy E Arena, located in Guthrie, Oklahoma, is one of the premier rodeo and equestrian venues in the country. With its rich history of hosting championship rodeo events, Lazy E Arena is a hub for the sport of rodeo, attracting competitors, fans, and industry leaders from all over the country. The Lazy E, recognized as the premier western entertainment facility, is committed to offering world-class facilities for competitors of all levels. For more information, visit LazyE.com.

About Pink Buckle and Ruby Buckle

The Pink and Ruby Buckle Programs are designed to dramatically increase the number and quality of barrel racing performance horses by promoting the Pink Buckle and Ruby Buckle stallions and their offspring. Visit PinkBuckle.com or TheRubyBuckle.com.

The WCRA Division Youth (WCRA DY) and The Lazy E Arena are excited to announce that Discounted Early Bird Open Entry is now available for the 2025 Cinch World Championship Junior Rodeo (WCJR) presented by Montana Silversmiths, set to take place July 22–26 in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

Athletes who enter between March 17–31 will receive a $100 discount per entry. Starting April 1, all entry fees will return to full price.

In 2024, the WCJR paid out nearly $400,000, and the 2025 event will feature over $215,000 in guaranteed added money. Open Entry is available to youth athletes ages 10–19 across 11 disciplines. 

Open Entry Details

• Junior Division (ages 13–19): $350 per entry
• Youth Division (ages 10–15): $250 per entry
• Required documents: Birth Certificate and W-9 (uploaded during entry)

Athletes must be of age on the first date of the competition (July 22, 2025). 

Athletes can enter via NextGen Rodeo. Full entry details are available HERE. All Open Entry athletes will begin in the qualifying rounds.

In 2024, the payout in each discipline was as follows:

Leaderboard Qualification:

All roughstock athletes must qualify for the WCJR through the WCRA Division Youth Leaderboard by securing a spot in the Top 12. These top-ranked roughstock athletes, along with the top leaderboard athletes in timed events, will be seeded directly into the Semi-Final Round and will receive a complimentary entry. To earn points and climb the leaderboard, athletes can nominate their rodeo performances through Sunday, June 22 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Payment Plan Option:

Athletes who enter one or more disciplines between April 1 and May 1 will be eligible to spread their entry fee payments across 3-4 payments based on the date they enter within the Payment Plan window. Athletes are not required to use the Payment Plan feature and may opt to pay the entry fees in full at the time of entry. 

At the 2024 WCJR, Open Entry athlete Dusky Lynn Hall dominated the Youth division, capturing the Youth Barrel Racing Championship with a blazing final-round time of 17.097 seconds. She led the event from start to finish, clocking 17.178 in Round 1 and 17.108 in the semifinals. Dusky also claimed top times in Youth Pole Bending, winning both rounds and leading the average with a combined time of 40.306 seconds. Her standout performances were powered by her talented partner, Aint Seen Famous Yet. Hall finished the event as the second-highest-earning youth athlete, taking home nearly $9,000 in winnings. 

All rodeo athletes interested in learning more about the WCJR can visit WCJRodeo.com. 

The 2024 event is open to youth athletes competing in 11 disciplines, which include – Bareback Riding, Ladies Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping Heading, Team Roping Heeling, Tie-Down Roping, Ladies Barrel Racing, Ladies Pole Bending, Ladies Goat Tying, and Bull Riding. WCJR athletes can enter only one age division and once per discipline. Roughstock events are Junior Divisions only. 

About WCRA DY (World Champions Rodeo Alliance Division Youth):

WCRA DY is a year-long leaderboard race of rodeo events worldwide, culminating at the World Championship Junior Rodeo (WCJR). The 2025 World Finals event will have over $2015,000 in added money and will take place in Guthrie, OK at the Lazy E Arena July 22-26. The 2024 events paid out nearly $400,000. Athletes can qualify by nominating their rodeo efforts and earning points for the WCRA DY leaderboard positions using the VRQ (Virtual Rodeo Qualifier). Athletes can nominate their rodeo efforts until Sunday, June 22, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. to nominate and earn points. The top 16 on the leaderboard will qualify for the event with no entry fees.

ABOUT LAZY E ARENA: 

The Fabulous Lazy E Arena – just southeast of Guthrie and northeast of Edmond/Oklahoma City – was established in December 1984, just in time for the ’84 National Finals Steer Roping Finals. Originator of the E, E.K. Gaylord II had a vision that both the National Finals Steer Roping Finals and the National Finals Rodeo would happen the same time, in the same area, creating the most epic days rodeo had seen. While the plan only worked for one year, as the NFR moved to Vegas in ’85, the legacy and standards E.K. set from the beginning still carry on today. From giving PBR its start to the Timed Event Championship of the World, the Lazy E has hosted world champions, world championships and personalities galore. In 2005, Gaylord sold the property to a partnership from Nevada, and in October 2013 the property was sold to the McKinney Family from Midland, Texas. The ownership group has long recognized not only the tremendous facility, but also the importance of the Lazy E’s place in Rodeo and Oklahoma history. The Family has committed to maintaining the Lazy E as the World’s premier western entertainment facility. Many updates and renovations are taking place at the Arena which will only enhance the lure of the Lazy E to the general population.

CN Productions, LLC and Lazy E Arena proudly announce a landmark five-year partnership to host Oklahoma’s Richest Calf Roping and Breakaway Roping. This extends the already established relationship between entities and guarantees that Guthrie, Oklahoma will continue to be the heart of this world-class competition with family-friendly entertainment.

The new five-year agreement will bring together the best up-and-coming talent in both calf roping and breakaway roping, creating an unparalleled event that celebrates the skill and tradition of these two essential rodeo disciplines. Lazy E Arena, a renowned venue known for hosting some of the country’s most prestigious and lucrative events in the world will provide the perfect setting. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Lazy E Arena to take Oklahoma’s Richest to new heights,” said Chris Neal, CEO of CN Productions. “This long-term collaboration reflects our shared commitment to expand the opportunities for rodeo athletes. We’re also excited to continue the expansion of Oklahoma’s Richest by hosting the newest collaboration event of CN Productions and the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway qualifier as part of the three arena competition to showcases talents for all ages and levels while providing a family-friendly experience.”

The Oklahoma’s Richest Event will feature top-tier ropers from across the country competing for one of the largest prize pools in rodeo, drawing spectators and competitors from all over the world. With Lazy E Arena’s state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated staff, the event is poised to become an annual highlight in Oklahoma’s vibrant rodeo culture.

Lazy E Arena, with its iconic reputation in the rodeo community, offers the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event. “We’re honored to be partnering with CN Productions to host Oklahoma’s Richest,” said Dan Wall, General Manager at Lazy E Arena. “This partnership aligns with our mission to support and grow our industry at the highest level.”

Oklahoma’s Richest is set to become a premier event on the rodeo calendar, attracting families, fans, and competitors from across the nation. In addition to the thrilling competitions, the event will feature a full slate of western entertainment, shopping, and attractions, creating a festive environment for all attendees.

About CN Productions, LLC

CN Productions, LLC is dedicated to promoting the sport of rodeo and supporting young talent through its signature youth events as well as showcasing the professional level athletes for high level western entertainment. Their commitment to creating family-friendly events allows fans to experience the best of western sports, with a focus on calf roping, breakaway roping, and other rodeo disciplines. CN Productions is passionate about preserving and celebrating the traditions of rodeo for future generations.

About Lazy E Arena

Lazy E Arena, located in Guthrie, Oklahoma, is one of the premier rodeo and equestrian venues in the United States. With its rich history of hosting top-tier rodeo events, Lazy E Arena is a hub for the sport of rodeo, attracting competitors, fans, and industry leaders from all over the country. The arena is dedicated to fostering the growth of rodeo and offering world-class facilities for competitors of all levels.

For more information about the event or CN Productions, please visit cnproductions.com

World champions were crowned and history was made as the curtain closed on the 55th annual International Finals Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., on Sunday, Jan. 19. Championship Sunday served as the final conclusion to the 2024 International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) season.

Taking home the coveted 2024 IPRA World Champion title is Peach State cowboy Tanner Phipps of Dalton, Georgia. Entering the IFR with a significant lead, he continued to find success at the Lazy E Arena and captured the title. This marks his third consecutive IPRA world title. Phipps ended the 2024 season with earnings of $68,212.42. Blayn Hughston of McBain, Mich., excelled during IFR55, taking top honors in all four performances and winning the final performance with a score of 83.25 atop the horse “Wild Willy.”

Home-state cowboy Cody Doescher of Webber Falls, Okla., claimed victory once again at the Lazy E Arena, earning his first IPRA world title in steer wrestling. Doesher, familiar with big wins at the Lazy E Arena, can now add an IPRA World title to his extensive résumé, earning $33,084.31 throughout the 2024 season. Chase Crane of Boynton, Okla., took home round four honors with a 4.4-second run.

Team roping header Heath King of Leicester, N.C., entered IFR55 in the driver’s seat of the world title race, maintaining a commanding lead that proved untouchable. He secured his second consecutive world title in team roping heading, concluding the 2024 season with $47,953.16 in total earnings.

On the heeling side of team roping, all eyes were on IPRA veteran Stephen Britnell of Knoxville, Tenn., who also entered IFR55 with a significant lead. His lead proved victorious, earning him his eighth IPRA World Champion Heeling title and concluding the 2024 season with $48,590.61.

Reigning IPRA World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Kody Rinehart from Rienzi, Mississippi, further solidified his success by securing the 2024 IPRA World Champion title after an intense competition against reserve world champion and 2024 IPRA Rookie of the Year Spur Montag from Belmont, Ohio. Rinehart also set a new record for single-season earnings in the regular season, totaling $74,773.93 by the end of the year IFR55.

Andrew Burks held his top position throughout the prestigious rodeo week, earning a spot in the winner’s circle. By winning half of the rounds, Burks increased his lead and secured the esteemed title with earnings of $54,178.74 for 2024 season.

Three-time world champion Kyla Matthews of Athens, Tenn., entered the IFR in fourth place and fought her way to victory. Her aggressive roping earned her the 2024 IPRA World Champion Breakaway Roper title, amassing $31,074.09 during the season.

 Kindyl Scruggs of Southaven, Miss., led the IPRA standings all year and continued her successful run to the winner’s circle at the Lazy E Arena. Maintaining her lead, Scruggs earned her second world title with $42,154.96 in earnings for the 2024 season.

IPRA rookie Brody Robinson of Galax, Va., emerged victorious when the dust settled at the Lazy E Arena, earning his first IPRA World Champion Bull Rider title in his rookie year, with $46,653.57 in earnings throughout the 2024 IPRA season.

VIEW THE FULL RESULTS 

For more information about the IPRA and IFR55, please visit ipra-rodeo.com/ifr.

– IPRA –

About the IPRA:
Since 1957, the IPRA has sanctioned hundreds of rodeo opportunities across North America. As the second-largest professional rodeo association, the IPRA crowns yearly world champions at the International Finals Rodeo, currently held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. The IPRA proudly supports the growth of youth rodeo as the parent organization of the International Finals Youth Rodeo. For media and communications inquiries, contact IPRA Director of Communications Julia Dondero at 775-737-1431 or [email protected].

The thrilling conclusion to the 55th annual International Finals Rodeo (IFR) draws near, with the third performance concluding and storylines brewing. IFR55 will serve as the finale to the 2024 International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) World Championships, held at the Fabulous Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., and conclude on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.

Blayn Hughston (McBain, Mich.) aims for a shutout performance at IFR55 with his third consecutive go-round win. He earned his third go-round buckle atop “Ely Cattlemen’s Faded”, moving him up to fifth place in the IPRA world standings. 

Home-state cowboy Cody Doesher (Webber Falls, Okla.) claimed victory once again at the Lazy E Arena with a smooth 4.40-second run. Doesher, who is no stranger to big wins at the Lazy E Arena, now finds himself in close contention for the IPRA World Champion Steer Wrestling title.

A duo of Empire State cowboys found themselves right at home in the heart of the Sooner State’s Fabulous Lazy E Arena. Jacob Rounds (Broadalbin, N.Y.) and Drew Carnes (Hornell, N.Y.) secured a win during the third round of competition with a smooth 5.2-second run in team roping. 

Joe Farren (Cottondale, Fla.) teamed up with “Bay Wolf” to earn a score of 79.75 points, securing himself a coveted IFR55 go-round buckle.

Sooner State cowboy Tylen Layton (Copan, Okla.) concluded his third run of IFR55 in winning style with a quick 8.80-second run, earning over $3,700 in prize money.

Ryley Layton (Copan, Okla.) clocked an impressive 2.2-second run, earning the round three title and tying for the fastest time of the week so far. The husband and wife duo, Tylen and Ryley, both found themselves in the winner’s circle, making it a picture-perfect night for the couple.

All eyes were on Texas cowgirl Emily Williams, who ran the fastest cloverleaf pattern of the week thus far. The Lone Star State cowgirl stopped the clock with an impressive 16.073-second run.

IPRA rookie Ueberson Duarte (Spencer, Wisc.) found success during the third round with an impressive 8-second ride, worth 85.25 points. 

VIEW THE FULL RESULTS HERE

It all comes down to tomorrow, when the 2024 IPRA World Champions will be crowned after IFR55’s final performance, happening Sunday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. CT. During this exciting 55th annual edition of the IFR, the top 15 of the association’s best will square off in one final performance of rodeo action. Accomplished Western sports athletes will compete for one of the most coveted titles in Western sports—the IPRA World Championship—and a share of the impressive $500,000 total payout.

With all the IPRA title races in close contention and 10 IPRA world titles on the line, the IFR promises a thrilling showcase of Western sports. Individual tickets start at $20, and all-session packages start at $68. Fans can purchase tickets now for individual performances or all-session packages.

The event schedule is as follows:
Jan. 19: Performance at 2 p.m. CT; doors open at noon for OG&E Kids Day.

The IFR will feature top athletes competing in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (heading and heeling), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.

For more information about the IPRA and IFR55, please visit ipra-rodeo.com/ifr.

– IPRA –

About the IPRA:
Since 1957, the IPRA has sanctioned hundreds of rodeo opportunities across North America. As the second-largest professional rodeo association, the IPRA crowns yearly world champions at the International Finals Rodeo, currently held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. The IPRA proudly supports the growth of youth rodeo as the parent organization of the International Finals Youth Rodeo. For media and communications inquiries, contact IPRA Director of Communications Julia Dondero at 775-737-1431 or [email protected].

The thrilling conclusion to the 2024 International Professional Rodeo Association season at the International Finals Rodeo (IFR) displayed an impressive level of talent at the Fabulous Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., featuring the International Professional Rodeo Association’s (IPRA) best athletes.

All eyes were on Blayn Hughston (McBain, Mich.) during IFR55’s opening event, the bareback riding. The Western Texas College and 2024 Jack Wiesman Award winner continued his success during Round 2 with a round win atop “Z56 Rocket Launcher.”

Eli Troyer (Scottsville, Ky.) went to the top of Round 2 in the steer wrestling with an impressive 3.90-second run. The multievent cowboy will collect over $3,700 in prize money for his Go-Round 1.

Also taking home their second consecutive go-round win were header Jake Wells (Rainsville, Ala.) and heeler Bryer Hamilton (Cleveland, Tenn.), securing the Round 1 and Round 2 win with a smooth, 5.0-second run.

It was a true family affair for the Troyers, with a win in the saddle bronc riding for Timothy Troyer (Weatherford, Okla.). Troyer took home the coveted Montana Silversmith’s buckle with an impressive 83.25-point ride atop “George’s Bad Cat.”

Andrew Burks entered the 55th annual IFR leading the competitive tie-down roping pack and will continue his lead after taking home the first-round and second-round win with an 8.40-second run in Round 2.

Seeing double in the breakaway roping! It was a tie for the top between Jessie Nooren (Mossley, Ont.) and Kyla Matthews (Athens, Tenn.) with a pair of quick 2.20-second runs.

It was a true horse race in barrel racing, with IPRA rookie and Oklahoma native Brandie Inman (Nowata, Okla.) taking the top honors in Round 2. She stopped the clock with an impressive 16.118-second time.

Three-time IFR World Champion and Oklahoma native Deklan Garland (Marlow, Okla.) proved victorious once again during the second round with a standout 83.50 atop the bull “Miller Time.” This is his second consecutive round win of IFR55.

During this exciting 55th annual edition of the IFR, the top 15 of the association’s best will square off in four riveting performances of rodeo action. Accomplished Western sports athletes will compete for one of the most coveted titles in Western sports—the IPRA World Championship—and a share of the impressive $500,000 total payout.

With all the IPRA title races in close contention and 10 IPRA world titles on the line, the IFR promises a thrilling showcase of Western sports. Individual tickets start at $20, and all-session packages start at $68. Fans can purchase tickets now for individual performances or all-session packages.

The event schedule is as follows:

Jan. 16-18: Performances at 7:30 p.m. CT

Jan. 19: Performance at 2 p.m. CT; doors open at noon for OG&E Kids Day

The IFR will feature top athletes competing in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (heading and heeling), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.

For more information about the IPRA and IFR55, please visit https://www.ipra-rodeo.com/ifr.

– IPRA –

About the IPRA:
Since 1957, the IPRA has sanctioned hundreds of rodeo opportunities across North America. As the second-largest professional rodeo association, the IPRA also crowns yearly world champions at the International Finals Rodeo, currently held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. The IPRA proudly supports the growth of youth rodeo as the parent organization of the International Finals Youth Rodeo. For media and communications inquiries, contact IPRA Director of Communications Julia Dondero at 775-737-1431 or [email protected].

Wrangler BFI Week, which last year paid team ropers a record $4.35 million in cash, will run two arenas for the first time when it returns to Guthrie, Oklahoma, March 26 through April 1.

“Just four years after we moved BFI Week from Reno to Guthrie, we had a 153 percent increase in roper numbers,” said BFI co-owner Daren Peterson. “And we went from paying $1.5 million in Reno to more than $4.3 million last year. Every roping has seen growth, so it was evident that two arenas will just help ropers get to dinner earlier. Except for The Feist – we’ll continue BFI tradition and keep that in the main Lazy E arena so fans can watch every run.”

Ullman Peterson Events will switch things up and launch BFI Week this year on Wednesday, March 26, with the All-Girl team roping and breakaway roping. Defending team-roping champs Kenzie Kelton of Arizona and Whitney DeSalvo of Arkansas will try to three-peat in Guthrie after banking $23,000 last year with contestant numbers having doubled.

Following that will be two days of youth ropings including the Hooey Junior 10.5 (capped at 6 heelers) on Thursday, March 27, and the five-head Hooey Junior Open roping on Friday, March 28. The Junior 10.5 is one of the fastest-growing ropings in the country, and out-paid the Junior Open last year with a $60,000 first-place paycheck. Still, Kenzie’s brother Ketch Kelton, then 18, took $78,000 cash back to Arizona thanks to placing first and second in the Junior Open and third in the BFI.

The 15.5 will be held Friday after the Junior Open. Spencer Mitchell and Chase Helton split $65,000 to win that last year. The public is invited later that evening to Edmond’s Hilton Garden Inn for the annual 6 p.m. BFI Dinner and Calcutta, with doors opening at 5 p.m. 

Then on Saturday morning, March 29, the 48^th Annual BFI will kick off with its customary long head start and six go-rounds for roughly 125 of the best teams in the world. In 2024, perennial rodeo champs Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira checked off their bucket-list BFI win after nine years of trying when they cashed a check for $160,000 plus a truckload of prizes.

The following Sunday morning, March 30, starts with a church service pastored by Trey Johnson and a hosted breakfast for all contestants. That’s also the day of the richest roping – the added-money 12.5. Last year, Cole and Birch Eiguren split a whopping $200,000 cash for their win. 

The traditional Businessman’s 11.5 roping for the over-30 crowd (capped at 7 heelers) kicks off the action Monday, March 31. It also doubled in growth last year, thanks to its three-steer consolation payoff and 10 Incentive, which guarantees the champs $7,500. 

That will be followed by the pick-or-draw 10.5 Over 40 (capped at 6 heelers). And BFI Week will wrap up on Tuesday, April 1, with the 9.5 Over 40 (capped at 5.5 heelers) followed by an 8 (capped at 4.5 heelers) with a 7.5 Incentive (both being pick or draw).

Pre-entries for BFI Week must be postmarked by March 1, 2025, but all ropings except the BFI can also be entered on-site with a $100 late fee per team. Tickets to watch the 48th BFI go on sale Feb. 14, 2025. To download entries and find more details, visit bfiweek.com.

The thrilling conclusion to the 2024 season at the International Finals Rodeo (IFR) kicked off in stellar style on Jan. 16, 2025, at the Fabulous Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., featuring the International Professional Rodeo Association’s (IPRA) best athletes.

All eyes were on Blayn Hughston (McBain, Mich.) during IFR55’s opening event, the bareback riding. The Western Texas College and 2024 Jack Wiesman Award winner kicked off his third IFR in a big way, winning the first round with an impressive 81.50-point ride atop “Bougie Bob.”

The first round of steer wrestling belonged to Caleb Little (Dexter, Ky.), who won with a smooth 5.2-second run. The IFR52 Average Champion looks to continue his winning ways through the conclusion of the rodeo on Jan. 19.

Team roping was also off to an impressive start, with a quick time of 4.80 seconds taking home first-round honors. Jake Wells (Rainsville, Ala.), who has won rounds in the previous two IFRs, teamed up with three-time IFR qualifier Bryer Hamilton (Cleveland, Tenn.) to take the Round 1 win.

The man with the No. 1 back number and single-season earnings record holder, Kody Rhinehart (Rienzi, Miss.), found success once again at the Fabulous Lazy E Arena. He rode to the top of Round 1 with an impressive 83.00-point score atop “Smoke Show.” 

Andrew Burks entered the 55th annual IFR leading the competitive tie-down roping pack and will continue his lead after taking home the first-round win with an 8.20-second run.

All eyes were on New York cowgirl Sierra Clement (Hudson Falls, N.Y.), who was fast and smooth, capturing the Round 1 win with a 3.30-second run.

It was a true horse race in barrel racing, with IPRA rookie and Tennessee native Bayleigh Choate running home with the Round 1 win after a quick 16.150-second run.

Three-time IFR World Champion and Oklahoma native Deklan Garland (Marlow, Okla.) proved victorious once again during the first round, with a standout 83.50 atop the bull “Black Sabbath.”

During this exciting 55th annual edition of the IFR, the top 15 of the association’s best will square off in four riveting performances of rodeo action. Accomplished Western sports athletes will compete for one of the most coveted titles in Western sports—the IPRA World Championship—and a share of the impressive $500,000 total payout.

With all the IPRA title races in close contention and 10 IPRA world titles on the line, the IFR promises a thrilling showcase of Western sports. Individual tickets start at $20, and all-session packages start at $68. Fans can purchase tickets now for individual performances or all-session packages.

The event schedule is as follows:

• Jan. 16-18: Performances at 7:30 p.m. CT
• Jan. 19: Performance at 2 p.m. CT; doors open at noon for OG&E Kids Day

The IFR will feature top athletes competing in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (heading and heeling), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.

For more information about the IPRA and IFR55, please visit https://www.ipra-rodeo.com/ifr.

– IPRA –

About the IPRA:
Since 1957, the IPRA has sanctioned hundreds of rodeo opportunities across North America. As the second-largest professional rodeo association, the IPRA also crowns yearly world champions at the International Finals Rodeo, currently held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. The IPRA proudly supports the growth of youth rodeo as the parent organization of the International Finals Youth Rodeo. For media and communications inquiries, contact IPRA Director of Communications Julia Dondero at 775-737-1431 or [email protected].

Since 1957, the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) has been dedicated to promoting rodeo excellence across all fronts. The IPRA proudly announces the top five year-end award finalists for their outstanding work in their respective fields.

For the 55th year, the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) will host the thrilling conclusion to the 2024 season at the International Finals Rodeo (IFR), set for Jan. 16-19, 2025, at the Fabulous Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, featuring the IPRA’s best athletes. The year-end awardees were announced and celebrated at the annual Gold Buckle Gala at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City on Jan. 15, 2025.

The following awardees were recognized for their outstanding performance in their respective fields throughout the 2024 IPRA season. We congratulate all winners and nominees on their accomplishments! 

IPRA STOCK CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

Southern Rodeo Company – Robin Brooks

IPRA MOST ACTIVE STOCK CONTRACTOR

Ken Treadway Rodeo Company

IPRA SECRETARY OF THE YEAR

Danna Gann

IPRA CLOWN OF THE YEAR

Mike Wentworth

IPRA ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR

Mark Northall

IPRA PICKUPMAN OF THE YEAR

Trace Hughston

IPRA BULLFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Jeremy Coan

BEST NEW IPRA RODEO OF THE YEAR

North Mississippi State Fair Panala Co. Sheriff Rodeo – Batesville, MS

IPRA INDOOR RODEO OF THE YEAR

Keath Killebrew Memorial Rodeo – Jackson, MS

IPRA OUTDOOR RODEO OF THE YEAR

Hughston Cow Camp IPRA Championship Rodeo – McBain, MI

2024 BAREBACK HORSE OF THE YEAR

#F18 “Bay Street” – Painted Pony Championship Rodeo Co.

2024 SADDLE BRONC HORSE OF THE YEAR

#54 “13 Silver Dollars” – Southern Rodeo Co.

2024 BUCKING BULL OF THE YEAR

#057 “Smudge” – Rawhide Rodeo Co.

IPRA COMEDY ACT OF THE YEAR

“Postal Mail Service (PMS)” – Dusty Myers

IPRA DRESS ACT OF THE YEAR

The Trick Roping Kid – Lucas Maynard

IPRA PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Melanie Fishel

The event schedule is as follows:

• January 16-18: Performances at 7:30 p.m. CT
• Jan. 19: Performance at 2 p.m. CT; doors open at noon for OG&E Kids Day

The IFR will feature top athletes competing in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (heading and heeling), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.

For more information about the IPRA and IFR55, please visit https://www.ipra-rodeo.com/ifr.

-IPRA-

About the IPRA:
Since 1957, the IPRA has sanctioned hundreds of rodeo opportunities across North America. As the second-largest professional rodeo association, the IPRA also crowns yearly world champions at the International Finals Rodeo, currently held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. The IPRA proudly supports the growth of youth rodeo as the parent organization of the International Finals Youth Rodeo. For media and communications inquiries, contact IPRA Director of Communications Julia Dondero at 775-737-1431 or [email protected].