The Rodeo in the Rock (RITR) is an IGRA-sanctioned rodeo, and all IGRA Rules apply.
The rodeo and registration will be held at the Arkansas State Fairground Complex, Equestrian Center & Arkansas Building @ 2600 Howard Street, Little Rock, AR 72206. For Entry, use Gate 11 on Schiller Street. (One block east of Howard St.)
Arena Size is 100’ x 175’ (smaller than normal)
Rodeo events will take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 25th and 26th, beginning at 11:00 am each day. What is offered: Rough Stock– Bull Riding, Steer Riding and Chute Dogging; Roping – Calf Roping on Foot, Breakaway Roping, and Team Roping; Speed – Barrel Riding, Flag Race and Pole Bending; and Camp – Steer Decorating, Wild Drag Race and Goat Dressing. Ranch Saddle Bronc Riding will not be offered.
All contestants with an assigned IGRA number must complete and pay for an online registration with a date-time stamp by 10:00 pm Mountain Time no less than fifteen (15) days before the rodeo’s first performance to compete.
Registration Opens on Tuesday, February 27th, 2026,and closes on Friday, April 10, 2026. New contestants may contact the IGRA office to obtain an IGRA number, a minimum of thirty (30) days before the rodeo and complete an online registration. The IGRA website is www.igra.com.
On-site registration will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Arkansas Building on the Arkansas State Fairgrounds Complex (North of the Equestrian Center.)
If you are unable to get to registration or will be late, you must call the Rodeo Secretary, Ron Trusley at 602-510-9671.
Late registration and Pre-registered contestants adding events will be accepted for all events except bull and steer riding. The late registration fee will be $50.00. The late fee applies to contestants who will have been assigned a four (4) digit IGRA contestant number greater than 30 days from the registration dates and who are registering late for chute dogging or roping events or adding these events Per Rule VIII, 2, f & g.
Contestants must enter a minimum: One (1) event per go-around OR Two (2) events on one day. Entry fees will be thirty-five dollars ($35.00) per person, per go-around. Pre-registration must be accompanied by a non-refundable deposit of seventy dollars ($70.00). The non-refundable $70.00 entry fee deposit and any additional stall fees will be forfeited to the host association if the contestant fails to show up for the rodeo.
All new (first time) contestants must attend a New Contestant Meeting at 9:00 am Saturday, April 25, 2026. The meeting place will be announced. All new contestants must attend, or you will be disqualified from the rodeo competition.
Day money will be paid in accordance with IGRA Rodeo Rule XIV. Event awards and All-Around Cowboy and Cowgirl Awards will be rodeo buckles and ribbons. The Awards ceremony will be on Sunday, April 26th, at 7:30 pm in the Arkansas Building at the fairgrounds.
Any Added Prize Money will be announced by February 23. 2026.
A veterinarian will be on-call for emergencies during non-rodeo hours. The name and number of the on-call veterinarian will be posted in the barn area of the rodeo weekend. A list of on-call farriers will be available during on-the-ground, horse activities. Name(s) and number(s) will be posted in the barn area and posting board.
Buddy Passes may be purchased at Friday’s contestant registration ONLY for $40.00 for the weekend. The buddy must be present and sign the liability waiver when the badge is purchased.