College Rodeo FAQ: Everything Students & Parents Ask Coaches

Contestants of the College National Finals Rodeo walk across the stage to get their armbands at the CNFR held at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, WY June 2025.

Thinking about college rodeo? You’re not alone. Every year, hundreds of high school rodeo athletes and their families start asking the same questions about what it takes to compete at the next level. Instead of coaches answering these one by one, we’ve pulled together a quick FAQ to give you the basics.

What is college rodeo?

College rodeo is a competitive sport where student-athletes represent their schools in events like barrel racing, bull riding, team roping, tie-down roping, goat tying, and more. It’s governed by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA).

How many colleges have rodeo teams?

Over 100 colleges and universities across the U.S. have rodeo programs, organized into 12 NIRA regions.

Do I need a rodeo scholarship to compete?

No. Many students ride on college teams without scholarships. Some schools offer rodeo scholarships or travel stipends, but they’re not required to compete.

How do I join a college rodeo team?

It varies by school. Some programs recruit heavily, while others welcome walk-ons if you meet eligibility requirements. The best first step is to reach out to the coach directly.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To compete, you’ll need to be a full-time student (usually 12+ credit hours), maintain good academic standing, and carry an active NIRA membership.

When does the season run?

The college rodeo season has two parts:

• Fall (September–November)

• Spring (February–April/May)The top athletes advance to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) each June in Casper, Wyoming.

• 
  

Can freshmen compete right away?

Yes! If you’re academically eligible, you can rodeo your very first semester.

I need my own horse?

Usually, yes. Some schools provide practice stock, but horses are almost always the student’s responsibility.

How is college rodeo different from high school rodeo?

The events are the same, but the competition level is tougher — and you’ll be balancing school, travel, and practice. Time management becomes a big part of success.

“I just want good kids who represent us well on campus, out in the community, and on the road. If I can get a few good kids and get to the Finals, that’s great. I don’t want a bunch of headaches — I want talented kids that want to go to class, rodeo hard, and be successful.” - Jim Boy Hash – Garden City Community College

What is the CNFR?

The College National Finals Rodeo is the “Super Bowl” of college rodeo, held every June in Casper, Wyoming. The top student-athletes from across the country come together to compete for national titles.

How much does it cost to rodeo in college?

It depends on the school and program. You’ll need to budget for NIRA membership fees, entry fees, travel, and horse care. Some schools offset costs with scholarships, stipends, or practice stock, but most expenses are still the student’s responsibility.

Do rodeo athletes travel a lot?

Yes. Teams typically travel to rodeos within their NIRA region during the fall and spring seasons. That may mean weekends on the road 2–3 times per month.

Do rodeo programs provide housing for horses?

Some colleges have on-campus barns or arrangements with local facilities, but many students are responsible for boarding their horses nearby. Always ask the coach about housing options before making a decision.

“Around here, school is your job and rodeo is the privilege. Our rodeo team has one of the highest GPAs on campus, and that’s no accident. We expect students to buy into that standard and understand academics come first.” - Shelby Winchell – Northeastern Junior College

College rodeo is an incredible opportunity — but navigating the recruiting process can feel overwhelming. That’s why we built Bullfrog Recruiting: to connect student-athletes, parents, and coaches in one place. If you’re ready to take the next step, check out our resources or create your free profile today.