Stars dazzled at the Gold Buckle Gala, celebrating champions and kicking off the 56th IFR with rodeo's unique spirit and camaraderie.
International Pro Rodeo Association (IPRA) competitors, personnel, family, and friends gathered at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma last night to celebrate the start of the 56th annual International Finals Rodeo (IFR) with a celebration of 2025 year-end awards. This Gold Buckle Gala set the tone for the days ahead with the camaraderie and energy that only the rodeo world can bring.
The marbled hallways of “the Cowboy” as the museum is affectionately known were filled with cowboys and cowgirls in formal gowns and sharp suits paired with felt cowboy hats and western accessories, bringing to life the western way held in the paintings on the museum's walls. Selfies against the special golden backdrop and well-known museum attractions like the Wells Fargo Wagon were home to smiles and laughter as stories were retold and memories shared about the journey that brought each individual to this spot.
As winners approached the podium, it was clear that these are just members of one big IPRA rodeo family, where everyone cheers for each other, even while hoping to beat them. None of the winners accomplished what they did on their own, and their support team was often a combination of both four legged and two legged friends and helpers. That’s the rodeo spirit and the beauty of a sport that carries on the tradition of our country and a big part of our historical culture.
During this presentation, numerous awards were presented with one of the largest categories being the year end award recipients. These included:
- Best New Rodeo of the Year: Harlinsdale Round-up, Franklin, TN
- Indoor Rodeo of the Year: Michigan State University Spartan Stampede Championship Rodeo
- Outdoor Rodeo of the Year: 41st Annual Shady Dale Rodeo, Shady Dale, GA
- Bareback Horse of the Year: #145 Ely Cattlemen’s “Faded Buckle,” Rockin K Rodeo Co.
- Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year: #898 “Sweet William,” Southern Rodeo Company
- Bucking Bull of the Year: #1H “The Honey Badger,” TK Pro Rodeo Company
- Barrel Racing Horse of the Year: Lane Phrost, “Lane,” Dallas Phillen
- Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year: “Sprinkles,” Cynch Whitesell
- Team Roping Head Horse of the Year: “Slinky,” Jake Wells
- Team Roping Heel Horse of the Year: Sams Cat Merida “Sam,” Stephen Britnell
- Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year: “Rosie,” Jace McGonagill
- Steer Wrestling Hazing Horse of the Year: Marshall Cody Joe “Porkchop,” David Reagor
- Breakaway Roping Horse of the Year: “Jack,” Sage Dunlap
While these awards speak to work well done, the year is not over yet for these competitors as the action of the finals kicks off tonight with the first round performance. As they trade ball gowns and blazers for button downs and chaps, their focus is still the same: putting forth a winning performance and a winning attitude.
For those not able to attend in person, the rodeo performances will be livestreamed on the NextGen rodeo app, available for free download from the app store.
As we tune in and eagerly await, it’s clear the world title could be taken by anyone in this field full of incredible horsepower and talented athletes.