Indian National Finals Rodeo INFR

INDIAN NATIONAL FINALS RODEO
"Riding With Tradition"

HISTORY
Thirty-four years ago, five people gathered to put a concept to reality. They united several
regional Indian Rodeo Associations from the U.S. and Canada to form the Indian National
Finals Rodeo Inc. (INFR) at the arena in which Champion Indian cowboys and cowgirls
compete against each other in the sport of professional rodeo.

Almost every child dreams of being a cowboy or cowgirl, for most, the romantic notion
remains a fantasy. But for a lucky few, the dream turns to reality when those kids grow up to
be members of the Indian National Finals Rodeo. Sanctioning nearly 700 rodeos nationwide
and offering annual prize money exceeding over million dollars the INFR is, by far, the largest
and the oldest Indian Rodeo Organization in the world. The INFR also works with a variety of
youth rodeo associations as well the National High School Rodeo Association and the
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, creating a natural progression for the athletes
climbing from the ranks of youth and college rodeo to professional rodeo.

PRESENT
The INFR currently has 11 Regions within the United States and Canada with members
ranging from 10 years of age to 80. With regional events the age group starts as early as 1 to
2 years of age. These contestants are enthusiastic about competing with their peers.

The desire of the contestants to compete for points at the Regional & Tour rodeos and a shot
at a World Championship is overwhelming. Both the INFR and the members of the INFR are
proud of the tremendous success the INFR has had for over 30 years.

In 2009 the INFR made History as the contestants competed for the second year in Las
Vegas, NV at the South Point Casino. Contestants compete for over $1,000,000 in prize
money and awards throughout the year, which culminates with the Indian National Finals
Rodeo, where 350+ qualified contestants compete in the 8 major events. There were 59
Tribes represented at this year’s event. The majority of the INFR members are also
members of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).

The INFR has been in existence for 34 years. The INFR Commission has taken steps to
increase the awareness and preservation of the INFR for the Professional Indian Cowboys
and Cowgirls.

Another key component that has been implemented is the INFR Scholarship Program. Since
2005, the INFR has provided over $50,000 in scholarship assistance to members of the
organization, and take pride in seeing the INFR Cowboys and Cowgirls achieve their
educational goals.

In 2006 the INFR Commission agreed to have 30 contestants in each of the major events
vying for the championship title at the INFR. With this in mind the tour rodeos started growing
even bigger. Contestants traveled thousands of miles to attend tour rodeos to get the points
they needed to qualify for the INFR. Entries at the tour rodeos varied based on the added
purse money. We had over 300 entries at one tour rodeo that had an added purse of $5000
in each event. Where we had 180 entries for a rodeo that had $2000 added. With respect to
each rodeo, all the tour rodeos were a big success.

FUTURE
Planning is currently underway to expand the publicity of the INFR and tour rodeos with
various media, radio stations, and television production companies.

In the near future you will see more positive changes in the INFR as we revitalize the
organization built on our successes.

The INFR Commissioners, staff, and members are looking forward to continued success
with the INFR and Professional Indian Rodeo.