Our History
For over 50 years California High School Rodeo had provided a place for youth rodeo to flourish and grow. Generations of cowboys and cowgirls come up the ranks and have seen the benefits of CHSRA. The vision and goal has always been teaching leadership, promoting education and encouraging family values. CHSRA is the state chapter of the National High School Rodeo Association. One of the original charter members, California has seen many of its members bring home National titles. The first priority is promoting our western heritage and investing in the future of young rodeo athletes.
With 13 events for grades 9th through 12th, there is something for everyone. Team Roping, Tie Down roping, Steer Wrestling, Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, Pole bending, Goat Tying, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Bull riding, Cutting and the Queen Contest. Also nearly 20 years ago the Junior High Division was started for grades 5th through 8th. These contestants can compete in Breakaway, Goat tying, Chute Dogging, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Pole bending, Ribbon roping, saddle bronc steer, bareback steer and Jr. Bull Riding.
CHSRA alumni have proven themselves to be leaders and have success stories in the corporate world and the rodeo world. Many industries have hired these hard working committed young people and seen the fruits of their years in high school rodeo. The key to the success of the CHSRA is Sponsorship. The benefits of National Sponsors are great but the support of local, California sponsors is crucial and immeasurable. Cactus Ropes, Cactus Saddlery, Cactus Gear, Heel O Matic, Resistol Hats, Les Schwab Tires, Ropers Sports News, Platinum Performance have partnered with CHSRA to support our contestants through awards and scholarships. Come join us as we compete in the greatest sport on dirt, travel the State and Nation and live the American dream of being a cowboy.
California is the home to nine districts where over 1100 members of C.H.S.R.A compete in the High School and Jr. High Divisions. Each of these districts compete in 8-10 rodeos throughout the year accumulating points to determine their top five state qualifiers in each of the 13 events for High School and 15 for Jr. High. Jr. High State Finals are held in Red Bluff CA where nearly 300 contestants compete to select a National Team of the top 4 in each event. High School State finals are held in the beautiful town of Bishop, California where it has been held consecutively for 19 years. During state finals nearly 320 contestants compete to place in the top 4, where they will be sent to represent California at the National Finals. The National Finals is the largest rodeo in the world with over 1600 contestants competing and over 500,000 dollars given away in scholarship money.
High School Rodeo creates many opportunities for youth including scholarships, the chance to travel, character development and countless memories. You do not actually have to compete on horseback to be a member of C.H.S.R.A, there are numerous ways to be involved have the same opportunities as the competing members. This year alone the state wide scholarship number hit 50,000 dollars.
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