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OKLAHOMA CITY – Since 1957, the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) has been dedicated to promoting rodeo excellence across all fronts. The IPRA proudly announces the top five year-end award finalists for their outstanding work in their respective fields.

For the 55th year, the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) will host the thrilling conclusion to the 2024 season at the International Finals Rodeo (IFR), set for Jan. 16-19, 2025, at the Fabulous Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, featuring the IPRA’s best athletes. The year-end awardees will be announced and celebrated at the annual Gold Buckle Gala at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City on Jan. 15, 2025.

The nominees for the following categories are as follows (displayed in random order): 

TOP 5 STOCK CONTRACTORS OF THE YEAR

• Wooten Rodeo Co. – Keith Wooten
• 3-J Rodeo Co. – Mike Johnson
• Ken Treadway Rodeo Company
• TK Pro Rodeo Co. – Tyler Kijac
• Southern Rodeo Co. – Robin Brooks

IPRA MOST ACTIVE STOCK CONTRACTOR
Ken Treadway Rodeo Company

TOP 5 SECRETARIES OF THE YEAR

• Jennifer Reynolds
• Danna Gann
• Michelle Prince
• Gina Hampton
• Shelley Halpin

TOP 5 CLOWNS OF THE YEAR

• Tyler Pettigrew
• Mike Wentworth
• Dusty Myers
• Trey Casey
• Colt “45” Hartt

TOP 5 ANNOUNCERS OF THE YEAR

• Dillon Gross
• Jamie Osbrink
• Mark Northall
• Monty Stueve
• Matt McGee

TOP 5 PICKUPMEN OF THE YEAR

• Trace Hughston
• Sean Prater
• Logan Moore
• Rommel Rozon
• Stacy Benton

TOP 5 BULLFIGHTERS OF THE YEAR

• Myles Essick
• Dakota Brown
• Jeremy Coan
• Mark Weber
• Ben West

TOP 5 BEST NEW IPRA RODEOS

• North Mississippi State Fair Panala Co. Sheriff Rodeo – Batesville, MS
• Lewisburg Pro Rodeo – Lewisburg, TN
• Moncks Corner Pro Rodeo – Moncks Corner, SC
• Kioti Pro Rodeo – Ormstown, QU Canada
• Casa Monroe Rodeo – Vonore, TN

TOP 5 INDOOR RODEOS

• Ormstown Kioti Pro Rodeo – Ormstown, QU Canada
• Keath Killebrew Memorial Rodeo – Jackson, MS
• Michigan State University Spartan Stampede Championship Rodeo – East Lansing, MI
• Utica Stampede – Utica, NY
• Federation Productions Pro Rodeo – Sedalia, MO

TOP 5 OUTDOOR RODEOS

• Festival Western de St. Tite – St. Tite, QU Canada
• W&W Productions Pro Rodeo – Fountain Inn, SC
• Hughston Cow Camp IPRA Championship Rodeo – McBain, MI
• 40th Annual Shady Dale Rodeo – Shady Dale, GA
• 42nd Annual Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo – Athens, AL

TOP 5 COMEDY ACTS OF THE YEAR

• “Granny Hartt” – Colt “45” Hartt
• “The Turkey Hunter” – Tyler Pettigrew
• “Postal Mail Service (PMS)” – Dusty Myers
• “Boom Box Disco” – Mike Wentworth
• “Rob Blart – The Rodeo Cop” – Rob Gann

TOP 5 DRESS ACTS OF THE YEAR

• Trick Riding – Sophie Duch
• Roman & Trick Riding – Dusti Dickerson
• The Misfit Cowboy/Trick Trained Brahman Bull – Brian Patton
• Cowgirl Lindsey Wild West Skills – Lindsey Wentworth
• The Trick Roping Kid – Lucas Maynard

TOP 5 PHOTOGRAPHERS OF THE YEAR

• Darlena/Michael Roberts
• Alysia Hargus
• Haley Johnson
• Melanie Fishel
• Shea McGuire

2024 BAREBACK HORSE OF THE YEAR
#F18 “Bay Street” – Painted Pony Championship Rodeo Co.

2024 SADDLE BRONC HORSE OF THE YEAR
#54 “13 Silver Dollars” – Southern Rodeo Co.

2024 BUCKING BULL OF THE YEAR
#057 “Smudge” – Rawhide Rodeo Co.

The event schedule is as follows:

• January 15: Gold Buckle Gala, social hour beginning at 5:00 p.m., program beginning at 7:00 p.m.
• January 16-18: Performances at 7:30 p.m. CT
• January 19: Performance at 2 p.m. CT; doors open at noon for OG&E Kids Day

The IFR will feature top athletes competing in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (heading and heeling), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.

If interested in attending the Gold Buckle Gala or IFR55, please complete a media credential request here. 

The Hilton Garden Inn in Edmond, Oklahoma, is the official host hotel. Guests can book using the code “IPRA IFR 2025” to receive a special rate. Reservations must be made by Dec. 13, 2024.

In addition to the rodeo action, the event will include a back-number ceremony and nightly awards presentations. Additional details will be announced closer to the event.

For more information about the IPRA and IFR55, please visit https://www.ipra-rodeo.com/ifr.