The NRA Foundation Awards Thousands to Rodeo Associations

by
posted on February 2, 2016
rodeo-main.jpg

The Arizona High School Rodeo Association (AHSRA) and Arizona Junior High School Rodeo Association (AJHSRA) were awarded more than $6,500 in grants from the NRA Foundation to support upcoming .22 smallbore rifle and trap shooting events. This grant money will subsidize the supplies and materials of the upcoming AHSRA and AJHSRA events allowing the organizations to lower the tournament admission costs. From now until May 2016 seven shooting competitions will be held throughout the great state of Arizona, including Payson, Casa Grande and Prescott. Finalist will continue on to compete at the National Rodeo Competition in Gillette, Wyoming, this July. Good luck, competitors!

Rodeos are one of the most diverse sports in the world. Cowboys and cowgirls compete in a number of events such as roping, barrel racing, goat tying, bull riding, steer roping and more. 

The beginnings of rodeo can be traced back to the early 1700s. During those times it wasn't a sporting event but an integral part of cattle-ranching in areas of Spanish influence. The roping, horse breaking, riding, herding and branding were all part of the vaqueros', or Spanish cattlemen, duties on the early ranches of the west. 

Possibly the beginnings of turning labor into a sport, arose from the exchange after a long cattle drive. Ranchers would bring their cattle to stockyards where they would be loaded on to trains to be transported to their final destination. Yet, after these long drives, the cowboys would hold informal competitions to find out which groups had the best riders, breakers, ropers and drovers. 

Today professional rodeos can be found throughout the U.S., with numerous associations dedicated to the sport such the AHSRA, AJHSRA, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, Professional Bull Riders, Women's Professional Rodeo Association and more. The events at rodeos have been modernized and incorporate new aspects that do not exactly mirror the ways of the vaqueros, but they will always be the inspirations for this unique sport. 

Latest

Dashing Thru The Snow
Dashing Thru The Snow

NRA Family Entertainment: Dashing through the Elk in Utah

Oh what fun it is to ride where the herds of wild elk play ...

First Impressions: Go Med Kits' First Aid & Care Essentials for Hunters

First aid in the field is just a little different for hunters ... don't be caught out without a hunting-specific first aid kit!

Video Review: Ruger American Gen II Standard Bolt-Action Rifle

It doesn't just look cool, it is cool. Here are the rest of the reasons it's our NRA Gun of the Week!

Attention, NRA Clubs: Check Out Our New Club Leadership & Development Online Course

NRA Clubs & Associations is pleased to offer this up-to-date online learning opportunity for current and upcoming club leadership.

New Calibers & Camo, Who's This? Savage Model 334!

It's the same Savage 334 you know and love, but with more calibers and camouflage options!

Congrats! Ohio Juniors Harvest Over 10K Deer in 2 Days

Over a quarter of Ohio's youth deer tags were filled in one weekend ... wow!

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.