The American Rodeo partners with the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) to announce that select IPRA rodeos will serve as official qualifying rodeos for The American Rodeo Semi-Finals, which are some of the most prestigious events in western sports. 

The next IPRA qualifier will be held Sept. 25-27 in Harrison, Ark., followed by competition at the American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 8-9.

The Congress qualifier will feature open Team Roping, Breakaway Roping and Tie-Down Roping. Entries for The Congress are open now, and have been extended through September 15. 

Competitors at these events will be vying for a spot at the American Rodeo East Regional Semi-Finals, scheduled for April 9-11, 2026, in Lexington, Ky.

The American Rodeo, produced by Teton Ridge, showcases the top rodeo athletes from across the country as they compete for one of the richest prize pools in the sport.

“The inclusion of select IPRA rodeos as American qualifiers represents a significant partnership,” said James Miller, Senior VP of Teton Ridge Sports. “This collaboration not only provides contestants with a direct pathway to one of rodeo’s most prestigious events, but also strengthens the foundation and future of the sport.”

Additional qualifying events will soon be announced. 

For more information on The American Rodeo and upcoming qualifiers, visit here. 

About the IPRA:
Since 1957, the IPRA has sanctioned hundreds of rodeo opportunities across North America. As the second-largest professional rodeo association, the IPRA crowns yearly world champions at the International Finals Rodeo, currently held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. The IPRA proudly supports the growth of youth rodeo as the parent organization of the International Finals Youth Rodeo. For media and communications inquiries, contact IPRA Director of Communications Julia Dondero at 775-737-1431 or [email protected].