Welcome to The Junior Roughstock Association Rodeo

---

 The Junior Roughstock Association (JRA) stands as the premier organization and qualifying system for youth bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riders worldwide. By creating a clear pathway to the most prestigious stages in junior rodeo, JRA provides young athletes with the opportunity to showcase their talent at the highest level of the sport. Recognized as the longest-standing and most professionally established youth-only roughstock association, JRA has set the standard for safety, fairness, and excellence in competition. Beyond competition, the association plays a vital role in preserving Western heritage while fostering confidence, resilience, and leadership in the next generation. With a global reach and a proven record of success, JRA continues to inspire, develop, and launch the future champions of rodeo. 

The Mini Bareback World Finals was founded in 2015 by Kirby Cannon of Texas, who organized the first-ever youth bareback riding championship in Las Vegas, Nevada. While that inaugural event marked the start, it was not until 2016 that Las Vegas Events officially recognized and branded the Junior National Finals as a full youth rodeo.

Later in 2016, the Cannon family partnered with the DeMers family to expand the program, introducing the Mini Bareback and Saddle Bronc World Finals. The DeMers family, already well-known for providing youth roughstock opportunities in Montana for more than 30 years, brought valuable experience and credibility to the collaboration.

At the conclusion of the 2016 season, the decision was made to merge bareback and saddle bronc riding under one unified banner. The qualifying associations were officially rebranded as the Junior Roughstock Association (JRA). During this transition, Kirby Cannon and his family chose to return their focus to life and family in Texas, while the DeMers family assumed leadership of the national program.

The Junior Roughstock Association (JRA) served as the official qualifying system for the Junior National Finals Rodeo until its rebranding in 2018 as the Junior World Finals. Throughout this transition, the JRA maintained a strong and collaborative relationship with Las Vegas Events.

Since then, the program has continued to evolve, implementing thoughtful changes to ensure contestants compete in the appropriate age divisions on age-appropriate stock. These standards have created a strong foundation for young athletes, providing them with the skills and experience needed to advance successfully in the sport.   

Following a successful “COVID Finals” in Fort Worth, Texas, the Junior Roughstock Association (JRA) entered a new chapter. After 2020, the JRA board of directors, in collaboration with Las Vegas Events, made the decision to reduce the number of age groups competing under the Junior World Finals umbrella. This change opened the door for the first annual Junior Roughstock World Finals, created specifically to give the 6–9 year-old division its own dedicated championship outside of the Junior World Finals title.

In 2024, the Junior Roughstock World Finals expanded to include the 10–11 age group, and in 2025, an all-girls division will be added. These adjustments ensure that every contestant has a place to compete, particularly those who may not meet the guidelines for participation in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the event transitions back to the Junior NFR in 2025.

Through all these transitions, one thing has remained constant: the unwavering commitment of a passionate group of producers, contractors, and crew members who never gave up, even in times of uncertainty. Many of our producing organizations—such as Rafter 6P, Crooked Horn Rodeo, Northwest Roughies, 406 Rodeo, CT Rodeo, Stoney’s Ponies, Midwest Mini Buckers, Branded 4 Christ, Lester Meier Rodeo Company, Rocky Mountain Mini Broncs, 7J Rodeo, Clark Rodeo Ranches, and Legend 37 Rodeo—have supported youth roughstock for 8–10 years, with many standing alongside us since day one.

Our rodeo crews return each year with pride and dedication, often sacrificing their own time and resources to make these events possible. We have been especially fortunate to have long-term stock contractors such as 406 Rodeo and CT Rodeo (10 years), Midwest Mini Buckers and Rafter 6P (6 years), and Clark Rodeo Ranches and 7J Rodeo (2 years) contributing to the success of these finals.

Not only have we maintained a contestant return rate of nearly 80% year after year, but we have also been blessed with the loyalty of our incredible sponsors and arena personnel. Their support is the backbone of our success.

The Junior Roughstock Association will continue to produce these events with honor, integrity, and dedication to the young athletes who represent the future of rodeo.

The year 2025 brings an exciting new chapter for our association. While this rebranding includes a few minor adjustments, it represents a powerful step forward that will make our organization even stronger.

The big announcement: Las Vegas Events will be coming full circle in 2025, returning to its founding brand and once again operating under the iconic title of the Junior National Finals Rodeo (JNFR).

The Junior Roughstock Association (JRA) will remain the official qualifying and hosting system for both the Junior National Finals Rodeo (JNFR) and the Junior Roughstock Association World Finals.

For the 2025 JNFR, contestant numbers will be capped at 65 youth bareback riders and 55 youth saddle bronc riders. Each qualifying region will be contacted directly to determine their allotted spots, based on factors such as multi-year membership sales and the historical number of qualifiers by age group from that region.

The JRA will also continue its partnerships with high school rodeo associations that have applied for sanctioning in the 2025 season. However, qualifying numbers from these groups will be adjusted to reflect the number of active, carded members in each area.

As part of the transition back to the Junior National Finals Rodeo, female contestants (gender identified at birth) will not be competing at the JNFR. This aligns with the established rules and guidelines of the , National High School Rodeo Association, and Junior High School Rodeo Association. To ensure continued opportunity, the JRA is proud to introduce an All-Girls Roughstock Division, which will debut at the Junior Roughstock Association Finals in Arizona, September 2025.

All updated rule books and memberships will be available for purchase beginning February 1, 2025.

The The Junior Roughstock Association  Rodeo has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. It started as a small community event but has since grown to become one of the biggest rodeo events in the country. The rodeo is known for its tough competition and exciting entertainment, making it a must-see event for rodeo enthusiasts and families alike.