Across the state of Texas, young rodeo athletes have spent months refining their skills as they prepare for the ultimate showdown at the Texas High School Rodeo State Finals. As they arrive in Abilene for ten days of intense competition, they’ll go head-to-head in rodeo events that highlight their dedication, talent, and passion for the sport. With the top contenders earning a coveted spot at the 2025 National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyoming this July, the stakes are high, and the excitement is undeniable. This is more than just a competition, it’s a celebration of Texas’ rich rodeo tradition and the rising stars who will carry it forward.
2025 THSRA State Finals
June 5th-14th
Taylor Telecom Arena
1700 HWY 36 – Abilene, TX 79602
Everything’s Bigger in Texas!
That’s right, the 2025 Texas High School Rodeo Association State Finals are just around the corner, bringing together the state’s top young rodeo athletes for an unforgettable competition. Fans can look forward to crowd-favorite events like Bull and Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Team Roping, Breakaway Roping, Steer Wrestling, and Calf Roping. But that’s not all! This year’s finals will also showcase impressive working cowhorse disciplines, including Reining and Cutting, along with exciting timed events like Goat Tying and Pole Bending.
Recognized as the largest and most prestigious high school rodeo association in the nation, THSRA sponsors over 125 rodeos a year across ten regions in Texas. With over $185,000 in scholarships provided to seniors who excel both in the arena and in the classroom, THSRA is inspiring the next generation of talented and hardworking rodeo stars.
Enriching the lives of Texas student rodeo athletes by preserving our western heritage through the sport of rodeo, promoting family values, and providing future opportunities through college scholarships.
Texas High School Rodeo Association
Mission Statement
From Past to Present
For over 75 years, the National High School Rodeo Association has been shaping the future of rodeo, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents, dedication, and passion for the sport. The journey began when Claude Mullins, a Deputy State Superintendent with the Texas State Department of Education, noticed students spending their after-school hours at the rodeo arena, perfecting their skills and fostering friendships. Recognizing the need for an event to celebrate these young rodeo athletes, he collaborated with Alton Allen, a local attorney and cattle rancher, and Leon Kahanek, a cattleman and pharmacist. Together, they launched the first Texas High School Championship Rodeo in June 1947.
With 121 entries competing in Tie-Down Roping and Breakaway Roping alone, the event quickly gained momentum, inspiring similar rodeos in Louisiana, Montana, South Dakota, and beyond. The excitement surrounding high school rodeo grew rapidly, culminating in the first National High School Rodeo, held in Hallettsville, Texas in August 1949. This landmark event marked the official birth of the National High School Rodeo Association, with Claude Mullins serving as its founding President.
Over the decades, the association has flourished, welcoming more than 10,500 student competitors from the United States, Canada, and Australia. These young athletes not only display remarkable talent in the arena but also embody the unwavering commitment and camaraderie that define the sport. High school rodeo continues to be a proving ground for future champions and a foundation for lifelong friendships, ensuring that rodeo’s legacy remains strong for generations to come.
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