The World Championship Ranch Rodeo Kicks Off Tonight in Amarillo

After a series of rodeos across the Western United States, 25 qualified WRCA teams will be whittled down to a world champion this weekend in Amarillo, Texas.

Katelyn Moore | Nov 9, 2023

Cheyenne Rice

The first performance of the 28th Annual Working Ranch Cowboy Association's World Championship Rodeo is set to begin at 7 p.m. tonight inside the Cal Farley Coliseum in Amarillo, Texas.

The event is well-known for hosting a boisterous crowd of spectators and competitors, a noticeable change in pace from most other rodeo events. Ranch rodeo teams consist of five working cowboys or cowgirls who are employed on ranches across the Western United States, rather than professional cowboys and cowgirls who compete under other associations.

The event draws a wide array of spectators due to the unique atmosphere, along with various activities outside of the ranch rodeo performances. Ranch horse shows are set for 7 a.m. Nov. 10 and 11, followed by a variety of trade shows throughout the exhibit halls each day. Performances following the first day are set for 7 p.m. Nov. 10 and 11, with the final, fourth performance set for 4 p.m. on Nov. 12.

The WRCA also hosts the Youth Cow Horse Championship set for Nov. 10 and the Youth World Championship Ranch Rodeo set for Nov. 11, each inside the Amarillo Civic Center Arena.

Both the WCRR and the Youth WCRR are being live-streamed for the first time in the event's history via Ride TV, with the goal of additional spectators for the often sold-out event.

The WRCA’s mission is “to promote ranching on a National and International level and to preserve the lifestyle of the working ranch cowboy.” Complete schedules for each day of the event can be located on the WRCA's website.

Published Nov 9, 2023

KATELYN MOORE

Katelyn is a budding agribusiness and agricultural communications professional with a passion for advocating for agriculture. Her life has always revolved around all things agriculture, being born and raised on her family’s Central Texas ranch. Growing up while heavily involved with her family’s first generation cow-calf operation instilled Katelyn with a greater appreciation for the western lifestyle and the tribulations that follow. Learning the process of beef cattle production early in life led to eventually raising her own market show steers and competing in livestock range judging on the National level. Still academically and agriculturally motivated, Katelyn now resides in Oklahoma where she studies agricultural communications and agribusiness at Oklahoma State University. Here, she has continued her tradition of academic excellence, using her unshakeable ambition to earn yearly accolades for her dedication and work ethic in the classroom. Now joining Sports Illustrated on their western feature, Rodeo Daily, Katelyn plans to continue advocating for western industries through her vast knowledge and agricultural competence.