Bull Riding Events in Oklahoma

A bull ride lasts only a few seconds--a 10-second ride is considered exceptional--and has been compared to riding a tornado. Bull riding is a big part of rodeo, which is at home in Oklahoma. The state is home to the Cowboy Hall of Fame and hosts state and national rodeo events each year. Many national rodeo organizations are based in Oklahoma, and many rodeo participants are from the Sooner State.

  1. National Junior Bull Riders Association National Finals

    • The National Junior Bull Riders Association National Finals are held in late November, and bring the top riders together for the final competition of the season. The 13 states that have nationally sanctioned state associations each send their top eight riders to the competition for four days of bull riding. The age groups are 19 and under; 15 and under; and 13 and under. Other events include calf and steer riding, roping and horsemanship competitions.

      National Junior Bull Riders Association National Finals

      Heart of Oklahoma Exposition‎ Center

      1700 W. Independence St.

      Shawnee, OK‎ 74801

      405-275-7020‎

      njbranow.org

    Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo

    • The Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo has been held in Vinita, Oklahoma, since 1935. The first one, which Rogers helped organize, was held two days after Rogers died in a plane crash. Organizers decided to hold it in his honor and have been doing so since. The event is held in late August each year.

      Bull riding is an important part of the three-day rodeo. Professional riders come from across the nation to compete in the National Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event. Prize money totals tens of thousands of dollars. Other events include steer wrestling, bronco riding, roping, a girls barrel race and various horsemanship events. A rodeo queen and princess are crowned and a dance is held each night.

      American Legion Rodeo Arena

      Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo

      Vinita, Oklahoma

      918-256-7133

      willrogersmemorialrodeo.com‎

    Express Classic

    • Top bull riders from around the world compete in the Express Classic as part of the Professional Bull Riders Association season. The series is the highest level of competition, and top riders compete in events across the nation to earn cash and points as they pursue a world title. The event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is held in July.

      Express Classic

      BOK CENTER

      200 S Denver Ave.

      Tulsa, OK 74103

      918-894-4200

      pbr.com