The WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance) announced Monday, March 20, that nominations for Rodeo Carolina, the last stop of the 2023 Triple Crown of Rodeo series, are now open and will close on September 10.

Rodeo Carolina will be hosted at the world-famous Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort in North Carolina from October 5-8, 2023.

With a total guaranteed payout of over $400,000, this WCRA Major Rodeo will be the richest rodeo east of the Mississippi River and will create more opportunities for athletes outside the traditional annual rodeo season.

What is the Triple Crown of Rodeo?

The Triple Crown of Rodeo, presented by Lazy E Ranch and Arena, is a series of annual major rodeo events which includes a bonus that will pay $1 million to any one athlete or collection of athletes who win first place in three consecutive WCRA Major Rodeos. WCRA Triple Crown of Rodeo events are featured yearly in CBS network television broadcasts.

Rodeo Carolina will mark the final stop of the 2023 $405,000 Reliance Ranches VRQ Champion bonus program. The cash bonus will be awarded based on the total cumulative points earned across all 2023 segments and World Points earned at Rodeo Carolina.

Nominations must occur during the following periods to be eligible for VRQ points toward that year’s VRQ Champion Program:

• 2023 VRQ Champion Program: November 28, 2022 – September 10, 2023
• 2024 VRQ Champion Program: September 11, 2023 – September 8, 2024

Perks of Heading to Rodeo Carolina

Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort is one of the most picturesque equestrian facilities in the country and is located within the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, North Carolina. The year-round event venue features multi-discipline international and national equestrian competitions, live music, arts and entertainment, and holiday events.

With onsite shops, diverse dining options, and a robust entertainment calendar, non-equestrian visitors are equally marveled by the Tryon Resort experience.

Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort spans 1,600 acres, boasts 13 competition arenas, 1,400 permanent stalls, and various restaurants, shops, and lodging options. A nearby sporting clay course completes the Tryon Resort family of brands at Cleghorn Gun Club and the Cleghorn Golf & Sports Club.

How to Nominate and Qualify

Rodeo athletes from around the globe can qualify to compete at Triple Crown of Rodeo events using the Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ) mobile app. 

The top athletes on the WCRA Leaderboard in each discipline will compete for their piece of the prize money at the WCRA Triple Crown of Rodeo events across nine disciplines which include – bareback riding, women’s breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping (heading and heeling), tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.

Since launching in May 2018, the WCRA and its partners have awarded more than $14,700,000 in new money to rodeo athletes. All WCRA TCR events are subject to the official TCR and Ground Rules associated with each independent event.  All rodeo athletes interested in learning more about the WCRA or the VRQ should visit wcrarodeo.com.

About WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance):

WCRA is a professional sport and entertainment entity created to develop and advance the sport of rodeo by aligning all levels of competition. In association with the PBR, WCRA produces major rodeo events, developing additional opportunities for rodeo-industry competitors, stakeholders, and fans. To learn more, visit wcrarodeo.com. For athletes interested in learning more about the WCRA Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ) system, visit app.wcrarodeo.com.

About Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort:

Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) is the ultimate destination for all who love horses, outdoor living, and an active lifestyle. Home of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, TIEC offers first-class facilities for equestrian events of all levels and disciplines. Located in the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, NC, the competition experience is complemented by diverse onsite restaurants, a variety of shops, relaxing lodging getaways, family entertainment, and more. Learn more at www.Tryon.com