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About Us

HISTORY: The NLBRA, which was founded in 1952, is a youth rodeo organization for kids’ ages 5 to 18. The NLBRA’s principal goal is to develop within its members and their families a spirit of fair competition and appreciation of good sportsmanship throughout the experience of healthy rodeo competition.
FRANCHISES: The Association annually sanctions over 500 youth rodeos in 33 states, which provides more opportunities for NLBRA members to earn points and qualify for the National Finals Rodeo. All of our franchises operate in accordance with the NLBRA Rulebook. More than 3,300 kids from 33 states compete in NLBRA rodeos each year. Contestants compete for prizes such as saddles, buckles, scholarships, and cash at local rodeos as well as the National Finals events. By competing at local events, contestants work to qualify for the annual National Finals Rodeo.
NATIONAL FINALS RODEO: The 2025 National Little Britches Finals Rodeo (NLBFR) is scheduled for June 29 through July 5, at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. In 2021, the NLBRA hosted 1613 contestants, who competed for the more than $380,000 in awards and college scholarships that were available during the weeklong competition, making it the largest youth rodeo under one roof in the world. The Lazy E Arena, who will host the National Finals Rodeo 2021-2025, estimated the annual economic impact at nearly $20 million.
TELEVISION COVERAGE: The NLBRA partnered over 10 years ago with RFD-TV to provide national coverage of the National Finals Rodeo. RFD-TV is available in more than 60 million homes across America, and their markets just keep growing. Sponsorship of the television show is also available.
HOPE COUNTS, CRISIS FUND OF THE NLBRA: In December 2013, the NLBRA Executive Board unanimously approved adopting Hope Counts as the Crisis Fund of the NLBRA. Hope Counts was established by 12-year old NLBRA member Sydnee Christensen of Utah. She wanted to help rodeo kids when they are injured or when the family is under extenuating circumstances where assistance may be warranted. The most significant contribution, $25,000 from Busby Quarter Horses, was presented on behalf of Amberley Snyder, the 2009 National Little Britches Rodeo Association World All-Around Champion, who chose Hope Counts as her charity of choice. Amberley earned the 2014 Fan Exemption to compete at The American with a push by the NLBRA membership. In the 2023-2024 rodeo season the NLBRA Executive board made the decision to have $1.00 from every franchise entry go into the crisis fund in an effort to help more families throughout the year.
HEADQUARTERS: The NLBRA is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., at the foot of historic Pikes Peak. The National Office serves as the hub for the NLBRA’s communications, record keeping, statistics, as well as providing customer service and assistance to NLBRA franchises, members and media.
STATUS: The NLBRA is designated by the federal government as a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity, so all charitable contributions made to the NLBRA are tax deductible, subject to IRS regulations.
CONTACT THE NLBRA: To learn more about the NLBRA contact the NLBRA National Office, at (719) 389-0333 or at the address above or email info@nlbra.com.