The WPRA announced that the 2025 National Finals Breakaway Roping—originally scheduled for December 2–3 at the South Point Equestrian Complex in Las Vegas—is officially postponed due to the EHV-1 outbreak impacting the Western events industry.

The decision comes after confirmed cases of EHV-1 stemming from events in Texas and Oklahoma, prompting venues, producers and associations to reevaluate event safety.

The Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway rescheduled its Scottsdale event in the lead to the NFBR. The PRCA also postponed several other events leading up to the Ariat WSTR in the South Point Equestrian Center, with the goal of preserving the safety of the WSTR’s competitors. The 2025 WSTR is set to pay $20 million to team ropers.

WPRA leadership and event producers are now working urgently and collaboratively to identify new potential dates and a possible new venue for the finals. While no decisions have been finalized, the WPRA emphasized that hosting the NFBR takes high priority, and is analyzing possible solutions with both timing and location in mind so the event can be held as safely as possible.

The NFBR is the pinnacle of ProRodeo competition for breakaway ropers, serving as the championship crowning event following a year’s worth of earnings battles across the WPRA.

Its postponement marks one of the most significant disruptions caused by the EHV-1 outbreak, which has already forced several rodeos, futurities and major Western events to delay or restructure their schedules.

As the industry navigates this unprecedented situation, The Breakaway Roping Journal remains committed to providing timely, accurate updates. Our team is in contact with WPRA officials and event producers and will publish new information the moment it becomes available.

For now, athletes, horse owners and fans are encouraged to stay informed, monitor their horses closely, and continue following biosecurity best practices as the situation evolves.