LAS VEGAS, NV – The 48th Annual Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) wrapped up on Saturday, Oct. 26 in Las Vegas.
Once again this year, South Dakota contestants found themselves in the coveted winner’s circle after being crowned world champions.
Jackson Ford, Sturgis, S.D., won the Indian National Finals Rodeo world title in the saddle bronc. The 19-year old became the first contestant in the history of the INFR to win all three rounds and the average.
Ford had the lead heading into the short-go with 247 points on three rides. Then he scored an 84 in the finals.
This is Ford’s first Indian National Finals Rodeo title and his third trip to the INFR. Ford is now back at school at Western Texas College in Snyder, TX.
Teigan Gray from Eagle Butte, S.D., captured the world title in the bull riding at the Indian National Finals Rodeo. He was the only contestant to ride three out of four bulls to win the title.
A standing-room-only crowd of approximately 5,000 attendees began arriving nearly two hours prior to the championship rounds on Saturday night of the 2024 Indian National Finals Rodeo. Anticipation and excitement were high for what was to come on the dirt during the final round of the 48th annual edition.
The athletes and animals more than lived up to the hype, especially barrel racer Quinley Inman and saddle bronc rider Jackson Ford. Inman, at only nine-years-old, won the open world title to go along with the junior world title, while Ford became the first saddle bronc competitor in INFR history to win each go-round enroute to his gold buckle.
As reported by Brian Hurlburt for “Cowboys & Indians,” the INFR feels like an annual reunion of family and friends, where respect, admiration, unity, fun, and culture are on full display.
“The INFR is legacy, history, tradition, family values, ethics, proper morals, hard work, and the passing down of the knowledge of horsemanship from one generation to the next,” said Ray Champ, longtime INFR in-arena announcer. “The INFR, and Indian rodeo all year long, is about passing on our elder’s legacies and ensuring their traditions and knowledge are honored. I teach my kids, the harder you work, the bigger the reward. The less you work, the less the reward. That is what Indian rodeo is all about.”
According to Donna Hoyt, the INFR general manager since 2001, talent and tradition are spurring on the growth. Several INFR competitors will or have competed in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and at big PBR events.
“We have some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the world from Indian country, and all of the tribes are represented by one or more talented athletes,” Hoyt says. “Our caliber of contestants are just as good as any other organization, but many just don’t have the resources to travel.
“What attracts so many to the INFR is, it is a family affair. Our families save all year long. This is their vacation. They bring grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, kids, and aunts and uncles. It is great unity for everybody. They see family and friends who they have not seen all year or for many years. It is a homecoming, and you can feel that love and respect.”
In 2024, the INFR tour paid out nearly $2.3 million.
2024 Indian National Finals Rodeo World Champions:
Ladies Barrel Racing – Quinley Inman
Bareback Riding – Jacob Lees
Steer Wrestling – Nolan Conway
Ladies Breakaway Roping – Bailey Bates
Saddle Bronc Riding – Jackson Ford
Tie Down Roping – Quinton Inman
Team Roping – Erich Rogers & Aaron Tsinigine
Bull Riding – Teigan Gray
Men’s All Around – Nolan Conway
Women’s All Around – Jareth Curely
INFR JR Rodeo Results
Jr Bull Riding Champion – Wynn Lawrence from Whitehorse, SD
Jr Barrel Racing Reserve Champion – Madi Waln from Martin, SD
Jr. Breakaway Roping Reserve Champion – Peyton Porch from Kadoka, SD
