Legacy, excellence, and familial vibes defined the 48th annual Indian National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
A standing-room-only crowd of approximately 5,000 attendees began arriving nearly two hours prior to the championship rounds on Saturday night of the 2024 Indian National Finals rodeo (INFR), held at the historic South Point Arena in Las Vegas. Anticipation and excitement were high for what was to come on the dirt during the final round of the 48th annual edition.
Competitors were pursuing their dreams, and family and friends held their collective breath on every buck, gallop, and thrown rope. An inspiring opening ceremony complete with traditional American Indian dance — by the renowned INDG dancers — set the tone.
The athletes and animals more than lived up to the hype, especially barrel racer Quinley Inman and saddle bronc rider Jackson Ford. Inman, at only 9 years old, won the open world title to go along with the junior world title, while Ford became the first saddle bronc competitor in INFR history to win each go-round en route to his gold buckle.
As it always does, the INFR also delivered off the dirt and was a backdrop helping to create indelible memories. The final round culminated a weeklong celebration of Indigenous culture. Festivities included a fashion show, the Miss Indian Rodeo competition, the INFR Hall of Fame induction, junior and senior rodeo competitions, nightly gold buckle ceremonies, and much more.
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The INFR feels like an annual reunion of family and friends, where respect, admiration, unity, fun, and culture are on full display.
“The INFR is legacy, history, tradition, family values, ethics, proper morals, hard work, and the passing down of the knowledge of horsemanship from one generation to the next,” said Ray Champ, longtime INFR in-arena announcer. “The INFR, and Indian rodeo all year long, is about passing on our elder's legacies and ensuring their traditions and knowledge are honored. I teach my kids, the harder you work, the bigger the reward. The less you work, the less the reward. That is what Indian rodeo is all about.”
As the INFR approaches its 50th year in 2026, momentum continues to build for a larger-than-life celebration. Last year record crowds flocked to the South Point Arena, which is located at the 2,100-room South Point Casino, Resort & Spa. And a worldwide audience watched the action on Pluto TV’s PBR RidePass, an all-access network dedicated to the world of Western sports.
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According to Donna Hoyt, the INFR general manager since 2001, talent and tradition are spurring on the growth. Several INFR competitors will or have competed in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and at big PBR events.
“We have some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the world from the Indian country, and all of the tribes are represented by one or more talented athletes,” Hoyt says. “Our caliber of contestants are just as good as any other organization, but many just don't have the resources to travel.
“What attracts so many to the INFR is, it is a family affair. Our families save all year long. This is their vacation. They bring grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, kids, and aunts and uncles. It is great unity for everybody. They see family and friends who they have not seen all year or for many years. It is a homecoming, and you can feel that love and respect.”
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Bobby Pablo, a 2024 inductee into the INFR Hall of Fame as a bull rider from the Navajo Nation, is also a rodeo judge and embodies the Indian rodeo spirit.
“The INFR is a very good place for the younger generations to learn because they involve the whole family,” Pablo says. “The INFR gives the older people and the new generation a chance to participate. And that is very important.
“I am the older generation now, and it is our job to make sure the younger people are on the right path and that they know right from wrong. My life has been about teaching my kids and helping others to take care of their animals, their lives, and the importance of family.”
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Brian Hurlburt has covered the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas for more than 10 years, creating NFR Rewind and NFR BLVD publications in addition to interviewing PRCA world champions each year. Find out more about the Indian National Finals Rodeo at infr.org.
Photography: Breakaway roping competitor Bailey Bates from Tohatchi, New Mexico (Courtesy INFR/Clay Guardipee)
