Nhsra
The National High School Rodeo Association is a non-profit that sanctions youth rodeo competitions for junior high and high school students across the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand, hosting two major national finals annually and administering scholarship, crisis-fund, and alumni programs for approximately 14,085 members.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1949
- HeadquartersLincoln, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Nhsra does
The National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA), founded in 1949 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is a non-profit organization that sanctions and governs youth rodeo competitions for junior high (grades 5-8) and high school (grades 9-12) students across 44 US states, 5 Canadian provinces, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. Its core product is an annual membership program (approximately 14,085 student members) delivered through a federated network of 49 state/provincial associations, with membership tiers priced at $80-$154 depending on division and geography, including bundled accident-medical insurance. The association's technology backbone is the Equest Event membership and event-registration platform, complemented by a WordPress-based public site, an NHSRA Times monthly digital magazine, and YouTube-hosted safety and informational videos.
NHSRA operates two flagship annual events: the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) - branded the 'World's Largest Rodeo' with approximately 1,500 contestants held at Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska - and the National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR) with approximately 1,000 competitors held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The portfolio also includes the NHSR Foundation (established 1970) administering $498,400+ in annual scholarship grants, the Crisis Fund (established 1996, $262,931 distributed since inception), the NHSRA Alumni Association (launched 2023), the Western Legacy Series multi-state rodeo circuit, and recurring programs such as the Professional's Choice Student Athlete of the Month, AQHA Horse of the Year, and the Queen Contest.
Revenue is generated through four streams: recurring membership dues (subscription model), event revenue from tickets, vendor stalls, camping, and jackpot entries at finals (transaction-fee model), multi-tier sponsorship and broadcast partnerships with brands such as CINCH, Ariat, Priefert, The Cowboy Channel, Teton Ridge, HYER, Boot Barn, Quanta Services, and Bloomer Trailers (licensing/royalty model), and merchandise sales through nhsrastore.com. Distribution runs through state/provincial associations acting as resellers, the Equest Event self-service platform, e-commerce, and direct ticket sales for finals events. The organization employs 1-10 full-time staff and is governed by a Board of National Directors representing each member state/province.
Nhsra firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Nhsra
- Legal name
- National High School Rodeo Association
- Website
- https://nhsra.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1949
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The National High School Rodeo Association is a non-profit that sanctions youth rodeo competitions for junior high and high school students across the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand, hosting two major national finals annually and administering scholarship, crisis-fund, and alumni programs for approximately 14,085 members.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Nhsra industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Youth Sports Association / Rodeo Sanctioning Body
- NAICS
- Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Youth & Scholastic Sports Organizations (K–12, AAU, Club Leagues) (MPAKACAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Amateur & Grassroots Sport Associations (Community/Youth Governing Orgs) (MPAKAFAF)
Keywords
Where Nhsra is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lincoln
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Nhsra business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual national membership dues from competing and non-competing student members, with separate state/provincial dues. Insurance fees are bundled with membership.
- Event Revenue: Revenue from ticket sales, vendor exhibitor fees, stall rentals, camping fees, and optional jackpot entries at national finals rodeos (NHSFR and NJHFR)
- Sponsorship and Partnership: Multi-level sponsorship agreements with national sponsors including cash contributions, in-kind product donations, and scholarship funding. National sponsors receive branding, activation rights, and marketing exposure at events.
- NHSRA Store: E-commerce sales of merchandise including apparel, alumni memberships, and branded products through nhsrastore.com
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | High School Competing Member |
| Subscription | Annual | Junior High Competing Member |
| Subscription | Annual | Non-Competing Member |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Nhsra product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NHSRA is a non-profit membership association that sanctions and governs youth rodeo competitions for elementary, junior high, and high school students across the United States. It delivers its core product through student membership, regional/state qualifying events, and two flagship national championship competitions — the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) and the National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR). Supporting programs include scholarships, an alumni association, and a crisis fund for members.
Product overview
The National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) operates as a non-profit youth organization, not a technology company. Its core offering is a comprehensive membership program and event series for junior high (grades 5th-8th) and high school (grades 9th-12th) students interested in rodeo. The portfolio includes two premier championship events—the National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR) and the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR, the 'World's Largest Rodeo')—alongside scholarship programs through the NHSR Foundation, the Crisis Fund for injury support, the Alumni Association, and the NHSRA Times magazine. Supplementary programs include the Western Legacy Series of multi-state rodeos, the Professional's Choice Athlete of the Month awards, AQHA Horse of the Year recognition, CINCH Outreach initiatives, and educational content through the NRS Learning Center. The organization sanctions over 1,800 rodeos annually across 44 US states, 5 Canadian provinces, Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand, serving approximately 12,500 total members.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- NHSR Foundation: The scholarship arm of the NHSRA, created in 1970, awarding educational funding to NHSRA members.
- National High School Rodeo Foundation
Products and services
- Student Membership Annual membership product for student rodeo participants (elementary, junior high, and high school), granting eligibility to compete in sanctioned events, access to national finals pathways, and member benefits such as scholarships and the crisis fund. Sold to individual student-athletes and their families.
- National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) Annual national championship rodeo competition for qualifying high school student members, hosted in Lincoln, Nebraska. The flagship competitive event for the high school division and the primary membership deliverable for top-tier high school competitors.
- National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR) Annual national championship rodeo competition for qualifying junior high student members, hosted in Lincoln, Nebraska. The flagship competitive event for the junior high division.
- Scholarship Program Educational scholarship offering available to NHSRA student members, administered through the National High School Rodeo Foundation. Provides post-secondary educational funding to qualifying member students.
- Crisis Fund Financial-assistance program available to NHSRA student members experiencing hardship or crisis, providing emergency support to eligible members.
- Alumni Association Post-graduation community for former NHSRA members, providing ongoing connection to the association, networking, and continued engagement with the youth rodeo community.
- Junior High Division Divisional membership and competition structure within NHSRA for junior high school-aged student members, with its own national championship pathway via the NJHFR.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over $550,000 in scholarships awarded annually at national level; $1.9 million in scholarships cumulatively at international level
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Nhsra
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Nhsra technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Nhsra partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Four Sixes Ranch (6666 Ranch)flagshipStrategic partnership announced in 2025 uniting two pillars of the western and rodeo industries. The Four Sixes Ranch, founded in 1870 and known for excellence in ranching, horsemanship, and livestock breeding, will collaborate with NHSRA on events, educational initiatives, and athlete development programs to support youth rodeo athletes and preserve western heritage.
- PriefertflagshipPriefert, one of the largest farm, ranch and rodeo equipment manufacturers in the world (founded in 1964, family-owned in Mt. Pleasant, Texas), became the 'Official Ranch and Rodeo Equipment Sponsor' of NHSRA, NHSFR, NHSRA JD, and NJHFR. Partnership focuses on supporting youth rodeo athletes through equipment sponsorship and shared commitment to Western heritage.
- Teton RidgeflagshipTeton Ridge became the Official Western Sports Partner of NHSRA, with plans for western sports media training, educational programming, and athlete development. HYER Boots and Teton Ridge award NHSFR world champions automatic seed to The American Rodeo 2025 regional semifinals with chance at $1 million bonus. Inside Rodeo becomes 'Official Interactive Experience' partner.
- HYER BootscoreHYER Boots named Official Boot of NHSRA, NHSFR, and NJHFR. Partnership includes activations at national finals, boot awards to student officers, state champions, and queens (400+ boots), plus awards to world champions and all-around champions at both finals events.
- Quanta ServicescoreFive-year multi-level partnership supporting NHSRA's educational mission through yearly scholarships to Quanta-owned vocational technical college focused on electrical power careers. Quanta recognizes values and work ethic of western industry youth and aims to connect rodeo skills to skilled trades opportunities.
- The Cowboy ChannelflagshipFive-year exclusive agreement making The Cowboy Channel the Official Network of NHSRA, broadcasting and live-streaming NHSFR and NJHFR across Rural Media Group properties (The Cowboy Channel, RFD-TV, Rural Radio on SiriusXM). Also covers state finals in several states and continues the Cinch National High School Rodeo Tour weekly show.
- Ariat InternationalcoreAriat became the Official Shoe of NHSRA, continuing a longstanding relationship. Partnership emphasizes promoting Western way of life and supporting education for student athletes.
- Bloomer TrailerscoreBloomer Trailers became the Official Trailer of NHSRA. The partnership helps increase total payout and scholarships at NJHFR and NHSFR, building on Bloomer's 15-year history of supporting youth rodeo through state sponsorships and the Bloomer Team youth rodeo team.
- CINCHflagshipMajor national sponsor and title sponsor of NHSFR. CINCH has partnered with NHSRA extensively, previously operating the CINCH Team and now reallocating resources to outreach programs with greater impact on students.
- AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association)coreIndustry partner offering AQHA Horse of the Year awards program for NHSRA members with registered AQHA horses. Awards include cash prizes and trophy breast collars for high point horses in each division.
- NRCHA (National Reined Cow Horse Association)coreIndustry partner providing rules, patterns, and judged event standards for the Reined Cow Horse event at NHSRA national finals. Joint judged event standards ensure consistent competition format.
- NCHA (National Cutting Horse Association)coreIndustry partner providing Cutting event standards and judge card guidelines for NHSRA national finals Cutting competition.
- PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association)minorIndustry partner representing professional rodeo. NHSRA has produced multiple professional World Champions including Sage Kimzey (6x Bull Riding World Champion).
- WeatherbyminorSponsor providing benefit drawing prizes including Weatherby Mark V Deluxe rifle with Swarovski scope valued at $14,000 for NHSRA events.
- Professional's ChoicecoreSponsor of Student Athlete of the Month and Equine Athlete of the Month programs, providing Air Ride Saddle Pads and qualifying monthly winners for scholarships.
- YETIminorNational sponsor providing coolers and equipment for NHSRA events and competitions.
- Boot BarncoreOfficial retailer partner with Boot Barn Future Stars program for NHSRA members. Booth presence at national finals for product sales.
- NRS (National Roper Supply)coreProvides NRS Learning Center educational content and NHSRA Collection merchandise. Partner since 2024 with educational articles about roping equipment.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Nhsra competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- American Junior Rodeo Association: Competes in the same youth rodeo sanctioning space as NHSRA, offering alternative state-level membership and national finals pathways. Closely comparable product offering for grades K-12 rodeo athletes.
- National Little Britches Rodeo Association: Sanctions youth rodeo for elementary and middle school aged children, the closest comparable youth rodeo governing body in the US. Operates a similar membership-based, state-association-federated model and hosts national finals events.
- National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA): Governs collegiate rodeo across two US regions with a similar state-affiliate structure, sanctioned events, and national finals format. Comparable in organizational design and member-funded operating model, though it serves the college-age segment.
- United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC): Sanctions team roping events with a national membership and finals structure, directly overlapping with several NHSRA disciplines (Team Roping, Breakaway). Comparable member-funded, event-driven operating model for western sport enthusiasts.
Others
- National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA): Governs cutting horse competitions and provides rules and judging standards to NHSRA for its Cutting event. Operates a similar nonprofit, member-funded model with sanctioned events and youth programs, making it a peer in western sport governance.
- National High School Athletic Coaches Association: Nonprofit membership organization serving high school athletics coaches nationwide. Comparable in being a federated, dues-funded nonprofit operating in K-12 extracurricular athletics, though focused on coaching development rather than event sanctioning.
Broad incumbents
- American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA): The largest breed registry in the world and a strategic partner of NHSRA (co-runs the AQHA Horse of the Year program). Comparable membership-based, dues-funded nonprofit serving the western equine community, though at much larger scale across all ages.
- Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA): The dominant professional rodeo sanctioning body in North America and a recognized industry partner of NHSRA. Operates a similar event-sanctioning and membership model but at the professional tier, serving as the aspirational pipeline destination for NHSRA alumni.
Emerging players
- National Reining Horse Association (NRHA): Sanctions reining horse competitions with a tiered membership and event structure. While focused on a single discipline, its affiliate/youth program model parallels NHSRA's state-association structure and equine-focused membership.
Regional players
- National Western Stock Show: A large annual stock show and rodeo held in Denver, Colorado, with a youth and junior competition component. Operates in the same western events space and shares geographic overlap with NHSRA's headquarters, though it is an annual exhibition rather than year-round sanctioning body.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Nhsra social profiles
Digital presenceNhsra financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Nhsra leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Nhsra subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Nhsra funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Nhsra M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Nhsra
What does Nhsra do?
NHSRA is a non-profit membership association that sanctions and governs youth rodeo competitions for elementary, junior high, and high school students across the United States. It delivers its core product through student membership, regional/state qualifying events, and two flagship national championship competitions — the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) and the National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR). Supporting programs include scholarships, an alumni association, and a crisis fund for members.
Is Nhsra a public or private company?
Nhsra is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Nhsra founded?
Nhsra was founded in 1949. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Nhsra based?
Nhsra is headquartered in Lincoln, United States, in the North America region.
How does Nhsra make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are event Revenue, sponsorship and Partnership and NHSRA Store.
Who are Nhsra's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are American Junior Rodeo Association, National Little Britches Rodeo Association, National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) and United States Team Roping Championships (USTRC). Others are National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and National High School Athletic Coaches Association. Broad incumbents are American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is listed as an emerging player. National Western Stock Show is listed as a regional player.
Does Nhsra have an API?
No public API is recorded for Nhsra.
What industry is Nhsra in?
Nhsra's product category is Youth Sports Association / Rodeo Sanctioning Body. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAKACAF, Youth & Scholastic Sports Organizations (K–12, AAU, Club Leagues), with a secondary code of MPAKAFAF, Amateur & Grassroots Sport Associations (Community/Youth Governing Orgs). Its NAICS code is 813 and its SIC code is 7997.