WCRA Rodeo Carolina is one of the association’s most unique events, nestled into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the East Coast, taking place Oct. 2–5, 2024.
But why should a breakaway roper haul out to North Carolina for a rodeo? Since The Breakaway Roping Journal has first-hand experience with the event, we rounded up nine reasons why people should be nominating for WCRA Rodeo Carolina.
9. Youth can enter
The WCRA lets youth play with the professionals, allowing them to gain confidence in higher pressure scenarios.
Identical twins Kelsie and Kylie Reininger competed at the 2023 rendition of Rodeo Carolina, and plan to head back to the event this year, too.
“I really like the WCRA lets us go rope for big money, and I can rope against the pros,” Kelsie said. “It’s given me so much confidence.”
8. The Tryon International Equestrian Center a must-see
Ask anyone who attended the first-ever Rodeo Carolina in 2023—Tryon International is a must see venue. Mostly hosting english events, “posh” would be one of the best ways to describe the sprawling facility.
There are RV hookups and lodging on site, plenty of barns and a large selections of restaurants. Plus, the October temperatures are going to be a fall lover’s dream; projected to be in the mid 70s during the day and mid 50s at night.
7. It’s ideal for Eastern ropers, or Westerners looking for a vacation.
Located in Southwestern North Carolina, the Tryon International Resort is within driving distance from:
- Charlotte, NC — 1.5 hours
- Atlanta, GA — 3 hours
- Myrtle Beach, SC — 4 hours
- Nashville, TN — 5 hours
6. It perfectly aligns with the end of the PRCA regular season
Nominating ProRodeos and jackpots can quickly turn in a Rodeo Carolina Qualification, so heading East after the buzzer sounds for the PRCA regular season on Sept. 30 just makes sense.
5. Up to $10,000 of WCRA winnings count towards IPRA Standings
Thanks to a partnership with the WCRA, up to $10,000 of WCRA winnings count towards 2024’s IPRA season. The No. 15 position in the IPRA is currently held by Sammy Taylor with $8,501, meaning a big win at Rodeo Carolina could punch someone’s ticket to the IFR in January.
Plus, the IPRA season leader as of Sept. 9 gets a free invite to Rodeo Carolina.
4. The $25,000 Reliance Ranches VRQ Bonus
Nominations for WCRA Rodeo Carolina also count towards the VRQ Year-End Bonus. Not to mention that Rodeo Carolina is a “Bonus Event” with points counting four times more than regular nominations. An athlete can earn up to 8,600 VRQ points at Rodeo Carolina.
According to the WCRA, Rodeo Carolina competitors will not need to nominate their Progressive Round runs or Triple Crown of Rodeo run. The bonus will be awarded at the end of the event.
2024 VRQ Bonus Payout:
- First Place: $25,000
- Second Place: $10,000
- Third Place: $7,500
- Fourth Place: $2,500
3. There’s a discount code for nominations
There is a 25% off nominations code through Sept. 4. Take advantage of Labor Day Weekend rodeos and jackpots with the code “RNC24END.” This code can be used up to four times.
Nominate to WCRA Rodeo Carolina here.
2. There’s good money to be won
WCRA Rodeo Carolina is set to pay out $400,000, and a single athlete can earn up to $21,000. Pair that with potential ground money (that was paid in the Triple Crown of Rodeo Round in 2023) or VRQ Bonus money, and there’s a great opportunity out East.
1. A Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo qualification is on the line
The WCRA’s newest prize for the champion in each event: a spot on the WCRA’s Free Riders Team at Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo in 2025.
Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo inaugural event wowed the industry with a stoplight setup for timed events, a thrilling concert and team-based format that saw the WCRA Free Riders take the gold. Now, WCRA competitors can win their way onto the reigning champion team.
