Bullriding Associations in Oklahoma

According to Bullriders of America, bullriding has become one of the fastest growing of the spectator sports in the United States. Oklahoma is full of cowboys and ranches, making it a central location of bullriding country. In the Sooner State, you will find some of the national associations dedicated to bullriding.

  1. History

    • The rodeo is an American sports exhibition that actually grew out of the occupation of ranching. The American cowboy was just a ranch worker until the late 19th century, when rodeo shows became popular in the western part of the country. Bullriding is a sanctioned event within rodeo competition. The Rodeo Association of America was formed in 1929 to organize competitions with fair practices in ratings and prize money. Bullriding now has its own associations regionally, nationally and internationally.

    Junior Bull Riders

    • The Junior Bull Riders (JBR) was organized in 2004. It is located in Oklahoma and sponsors rodeos all over the state. The organization is made up of volunteers and represents young bullriders who are up to 21 years of age. JBR prides itself in keeping an alcohol- and drug-free environment for youth to perform in. They stress family involvement and sportsmanship, while teaching children how to perform bullriding correctly, within a safe environment.

    National Junior Bullriders Association

    • The National Junior Bullriders Association (NJBRA) provides young bullriders with opportunities to compete among the best in their sport. The Oklahoma organization believes in helping bullriders to develop their skills, while promoting good character. It is the goal of NJBRA to prepare junior bullriders with everything they need so that they are able to continue in the professional arena. NJBRA, which also has 13 state chapters, serves as a promoter of bullriding throughout the United States.

    Out West Jr. Bull Riders

    • The Out West Jr. Bull Riders (OWJBR) began in 2005 as an organization for the junior bullriders of the Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma. The goal of OWJBR is to provide support for cowgirls and cowboys who are interested in learning the sport within a family-oriented atmosphere. While the OWJBR is focused on kids within a distinct southwestern area, the event they hold is a qualifier for those who would like to get into the Youth Bull Riders World Finals.

    Considerations

    • While the only associations specifically dedicated to bullriding in Oklahoma are for junior bullriders, Oklahoma is home to the International Professional Rodeo Association, which governs worldwide rodeo competitions, including bullriding. Since the Girls' Rodeo Association (GRA) was formed in 1948, additional organizations specific to men, women and children interested in bullriding have continued to appear throughout the United States, especially in Oklahoma, where 20,000 spectators witnessed some of the first rodeo contests in 1903 at the Oklahoma Cattleman's Convention.