The first ever Indian National Finals Rodeo was held in 1976, the brainchild of five people who wished to unite several regional Indian Rodeo Associations from the U.S. and Canada. And that’s how the first ever INFR took place at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, UT, with champion Indian cowboys and cowgirls competing against each other. Today, the INFR sanctions almost 700 rodeos across the nation, and offers more than a million dollars in prize money, making it the largest organization of its kind in the whole world. Competitions are held throughout the year, culminating in the Indian National Finals with more than 350 contestants competing against each other in eight events. Currently operating in eleven regions in the US and Canada, the age of its members ranges from 8 to 80! The 2018 inductees include Wright Bruised Head, Yvette Vega, Ed Hall, Jack Foreman and Leonard Williams Sr. This year, 75 tribes have been represented at the event. Most INFR members also belong to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The INFR Commission works alongside a number of youth rodeo associations as well the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association and National High School Rodeo Association. In doing so, it helps athletes progress from youth rodeo to professional rodeo. Additionally, it raises awareness and conservation of the INFR for Professional Indian Cowboys and Cowgirls. It also runs an INFR Scholarship Program that has provided more than $50,000 in scholarship assistance since 2005 to the members of the organization. This year, INFR will be held across October 23 to 27 at the South Point Equestrian Centre in Las Vegas. Tickets are available for sale at the Information Booth there. You can also reserve a room online at the South Point website at www.southpointcasino.com.
I grew up on a Midwest farm with dirt under my fingernails and the sound of wind rustling through cornfields. My childhood was all about 4H – raising pigs and horses, learning to bake and sew, and discovering the magic of transforming a garden into jars of summer sunshine. Those years taught me the value of hard work, the thrill of seeing a project through to the end, and the simple joy of creating something beautiful. A country girl with a need for speed and a thirst for adventure. Maybe that's why I love the feeling of wind in my hair – whether I'm cruising down a dusty road on my Harley or tackling a mountain trail on my trusty mountain bike. Some of my earliest memories of rodeo are watching my father compete at small local events. That's also where my love for country music comes in – long car rides listening to 8 tracks. The lyrics and melodies always spoke to my soul. These days, you'll find me cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls at rodeos, two-stepping to my favorite bands, belting out a country tune at a concert or sharing stories and laughter with friends around a bonfire. When I'm not soaking up the country life and getting my boots dirty, I'm a nurse, caring for folks in my community. Follow along for more stories from the heart of rodeo and country life!
