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.
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.
| INFR Headquarters P.O. Box 508 Browning, MT 59417 Phone: 406-338-7684 Fax: 406-338-3754 |
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