Rescheduled after the 2025 EHV outbreak, the Prairie Circuit Finals will crown champions in Pawhuska with NFR Open qualifications still on the line.
After an unusual end to the 2025 season, the Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo is set to move forward this week in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, giving the qualifying contestants the opportunity to finish what they started in 2025.
Traditionally held in November, the Prairie Circuit Finals were postponed late in 2025 due to a widespread Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) outbreak. While the delay was disappointing for competitors, organizers emphasized that horse safety remained the top priority. After weeks of uncertainty and multiple venue changes, the Prairie Circuit announced the event would take place in January 2026 at the Osage County Fairgrounds in Pawhuska.
The Prairie Circuit, which includes rodeos across Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, is one of 13 circuits within the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Circuit System. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Prairie Circuit Finals.
Originally scheduled to move to Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas, the finals were expected to start a new era for the circuit after more than a decade in Duncan, Oklahoma. Kansas Star’s central location within the circuit made it an ideal host because the venue has already proven itself as the home of the National Finals Steer Roping. However, animal health concerns forced organizers to pivot, ultimately landing on Pawhuska as a workable solution to complete the season.
While the reschedule places the Prairie Circuit Finals during a busy stretch of winter rodeos, including the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo and Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, the contestants have expressed gratitude that the year will be properly concluded.
“This hasn’t been an ideal situation, but we’re looking forward to finishing our season,” noted Prairie Circuit finalist and NFR qualifier Emily Beisel in response to the reschedule announcement.
The finals will consist of two performances, with competitors battling for both finals average titles and year end circuit titles. Both the average champion at the circuit finals and the season long circuit champion in each event will earn qualification to the 2026 NFR Open.
Several big stories head into Pawhuska.
In bull riding, two-time NFR qualifier J.R. Stratford enters the finals leading the Prairie Circuit standing. With winter rodeos already underway, a strong circuit finish could set the tone for his 2026 season too.
The barrel racing race is led by NFR barrel racer Emily Beisel, who has remained consistent throughout the Prairie Circuit season. Beisel’s focus will be on closing out her strong 2025 year while balancing a demanding winter rodeo schedule too.
Another standout storyline comes in the saddle bronc riding, where young Colorado cowboy Waitley Sharon holds the circuit lead. Sharon enjoyed a breakout rookie season on his permit, competing against seasoned NFR qualifiers and holding his own throughout the year. Now, the Prairie Circuit Finals offer him a chance to finish the job and get him qualified for his first ever NFR Open.
This is a chance to reset for these cowboys and cowgirls after a disrupted year and turn the page toward 2026. While the road to this year’s finals has been anything but traditional, the opportunity to crown champions and reward season-long consistency remains unchanged.
As contestants prepare to ride and rope this weekend, the Prairie Circuit Finals will do what they’ve always done, providing these athletes with the finals they deserve and have worked for all year.
Stay tuned for full results, event breakdowns, and continued coverage as Prairie Circuit champions are crowned and the road to the 2026 NFR Open continues.