News and Events

Community Events for January 2022

December 27, 2021
January Events

Community Events for January 2022

January Events
 

Branded by Christ Coverall Classic | Henderson, TX | 1/1/2022

The Branded by Christ Covwerall Classic starts the new year at the Tommy McDaniel Rusk County Youth Expo Center to show Market Hots, Lambs, Goats, and cattle. With $10,000 in cash & prizes this isn’t an event to miss!


SandHills Stock Show & Rodeo | Odessa,TX | 1/5 – 1/15

Our 2020 stock show brought 614 entries from across Texas. There were Hereford heifers and steers, fine wool lambs, and market goats. The SandHills Steer Show is the only Junior Livestock Show in the state of Texas which is exclusively Hereford cattle. Likewise, our Lamb Show is unique in that we show only Fine Wool Lambs. Because of this, the quality of the steers and lambs shown in Odessa rivals any show in the state. In addition to the prizes and premiums awarded in our shows and our sale, participating students also compete for scholarships.


National Western Stock Show & Rodeo | Denver, CO | 1/8 – 1/23

The National Western Stock Show, established in 1906, is the premier livestock, rodeo, and horse show in the nation, serving agricultural producers and consumers throughout the world. They are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization providing education in agriculture, including college and graduate-level scholarships in agriculture and veterinary medicine for practice in rural areas.


International Fair & Rodeo | Guthrie, OK | 1/13 – 1/16

Don’t miss 4 days of action packed professional rodeo action! Watch cowboys and cowgirls compete for the title of World Champion in 8 different events. Fun for the entire family! The International Pro Rodeo Association is proud to celebrate over 60 years of rodeo excellence. Founded in 1957 by two rodeo promoters, the Interstate Rodeo Association, IRA, was formed as a rodeo management organization and a sanctioning body. Concerned with expansion west of the Mississippi River, this new group’s primary interest was to enhance rodeo’s credibility with the news media in the east, where fly-by-night rodeos and Wild West Shows and unregulated contests had done much to discredit the sport.


Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo | Fort Worth, TX | 1/14 – 2/5

Come visit the Cavender’s booth located in the Amon G. Carter Exhibit Hall during the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo!
This Thing is Legendary®! It’s not just a slogan. It’s why the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is the most authentic western lifestyle experience anywhere – since 1896. It’s exciting, it’s fun, it’s 23 days of what makes Fort Worth the greatest city in Texas!
The rodeo action features the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Best of Mexico Celebración, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, Bulls Night Out Extreme Bull Riding and Texas Champions Challenge. The FWSSR PRORODEO Tournament tops it off in the world’s most awesome venue for rodeo – Dickies Arena. They also have livestock and horse shows, kid-friendly activities and exhibits, live music, carnival midway, shopping, great food and much more. After experiencing it all, we bet you’ll agree – This Thing IS Legendary!


Humble Rodeo & BBQ Cook Off | Humble, TX | 1/28 – 2/5

All proceeds from the Humble Rodeo & BBQ Cook-Off benefit the Humble ISD Education Foundation to help provide funds that support innovative projects, educators’ classroom needs, campus priorities, action research and district infrastructural priorities. These funds support innovative programs that increase learning opportunities for students at all 45 schools in Humble ISD, with 2 more under construction.


Rodeo Of The Mid-South | Southhaven, MS | 1/29/2022

Come check out the Rodeo of the Mid-South! Harper & Morgan Rodeo Brings PRCA’s Greatest Show on Dirt to The Landers Center Southaven, MS with Lecile Harris’ Rodeo of the Mid-South (The Legend Lives On…).

News and Events

Order and Shipping Notice

December 3, 2021

Likely you’ve heard about nationwide product & staffing shortages as well as shipping carrier delays. Similar to many others we are being impacted by these challenges.

This means it’s taking longer than usual for you to: get your orders, receive responses to requests, and complete exchanges and refunds (which we’re not happy about either). Despite our best efforts, orders placed after December 4th, unfortunately, cannot be guaranteed for receipt prior to Christmas.

We sincerely value the trust you put in Cavender’s and are working hard to continue to earn your business!

Men's Fashion, Western Lifestyle, Women's Fashion

Still Packing for the NFR? You’ll Need This.

December 2, 2021
Still Packing For The NFR? You'll Need This.

The PRCA National Finals Rodeo is the annual finale for top ranked cowboys, cowgirls, and elite animal athletes who have earned the right to compete at the prestigious event. Top tier rodeo performances are not the only reason for cowboys and cowgirls to converge on Sin City, the Neon Capital of the World every December. The 10 nightly NFR performances are also a showcase of western inspired and American southwest fashion.

For men, a formal tone is expected; dark washed jeans, outerwear to break the night chill or a sport coat over a western cut shirt. Of course, top off with a nice felt hat. Multiply the outfit by the number of performance nights that you plan to attend, and you’re ready to attend the rodeo.

 

Save extra room in your suitcase for the women in your traveling party – trust us!

For women’s fashion, the NFR is everything. Anything goes when it comes to performance night fashion: beading, sequins, fringe, layers of jewelry. The nightly performances are like a combination of a runway show and an award show for women who have been waiting all year to glam up their western fashion. Be on the lookout for women’s blazers paired with wild rags and cowboy hats or even monochrome outfits with pops of western-styled accents such as sterling pearls, knee height cowboy boots, and colorful felt hats.

 

 

Don’t neglect to plan day time outfits.

Daytime duds for dining and shopping should be highly styled with a comfy cowgirl vibe. Hitting the street in the desert calls for walking shoes and loose fitting layers. Cowboy Christmas is reason enough to hit the streets early in the day and stay through mid-afternoon for shopping and people watching. Find Cavender’s at Cowboy Christmas Booth #409 and our new Las Vegas store inside Fashion Show Mall. Dress up an athleisure look early in the day with western cut denim jackets, chambray shirts, and tennis shoes with colorful western themes or desert inspired earth tones. Save your accessories for nighttime looks, as you’ll not want to be weighted down.

 

 

For nights that you and your friends are not attending a live NFR performance, the week is filled with a variety of events to keep the vacation fun. There are viewing parties during each performance both downtown on The Strip and on historic Fremont Street. Live music is available around just about any corner.

Women’s fashion for nightly events may be amped up versions of their comfy daytime looks, or whole new party-ready outfits. Pair a graphic tee with flared jeans and a leather or suede jacket.  Color is everything whether earthy or vibrant, and don’t worry about standing out. Opt for cowboy boots, accessorize with western scarves or southwestern jewelry and you’re ready to hit the parties. Both high waistlines and high necklines are in fashion. Take heart, these styles are perfect for piling on western necklaces or wild rags.

Until next time, remember… We live this.

News and Events

Community Events for December 2021

November 30, 2021

 

 

Junior World Finals Rodeo | Las Vegas, NV | 12/1 – 12/11

The Junior World Finals presented by YETI will host more than 850 contestants within the Wrangler Rodeo Arena over the 10 days in December. Located in the heart of Las Vegas each contestant competes at the Las Vegas Convention Center. These young athletes will compete for more than $1 million in combined cash and prize payout on their quest to claim a coveted Montana Silversmiths championship buckle.


Cowboy Christmas 2021 Booth 409 | Las Vegas, NV | 12/1 – 12/11

The only official gift show of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas is a Las Vegas tradition since 1986. The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas features more than 500,000 square feet of show floor and 350+ exhibitors from across the United States. Attendees can find unique products including custom-made jewelry, western wear, boots and spurs, furniture, original art, handmade crafts and home goods. To add to the overall experience, attendees can also enjoy a number of interactive experiences, including the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage and the YETI Junior World Finals. And, new this year, the show will open on Wednesday, December 1 from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. for a special preview and tree lighting ceremony and then run December 2-11 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.


Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas Tailgate | Las Vegas, NV | 12/1 – 12/11

The Cowboy Channel has brought its hit Tailgate Party Show to Las Vegas for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo! The Tailgate Party kicks off each day of rodeo action, broadcasting live from the Ariat Live Stage at Cowboy Christmas in the Las Vegas Convention Center from 1:30 – 4:00 PM PT following Flint Rasmussen’s Outside the Barrel. During our daily Tailgate Party, The Cowboy Channel hosts Justin McKee, Janie Johnson, Kirbe Schnoor, and Katy Lucas are joined by NFR contestants and legends, musicians, and other special guests as they play games and talk rodeo, cowboy cooking, Western fashion and more.


Bullfighters Only World Championship | Las Vegas, NV | 12/3 – 12/11

The bravest athletes in the world take on the most fierce fighting bulls for over $75,000 in cash and the ultimate prize, the title of BFO World Champion. BFO was founded by bullfighters and is Freestyle Bullfighting’s Premier Professional League. BFO features an international roster of elite athletes competing against the meanest fighting bulls for the largest purses in the history of the sport.


Careity Celebrity Cutting | Fort Worth, TX | 12/3/2021

Since 1995, Careity Foundation’s Celebrity Cutting Horse event has brought together international celebrities from all walks of life for an evening of fun, thrills and philanthropy. Sports figures, physicians, outstanding performing artists and more come to try their hand at the fast-growing sport of cutting, held in one of the world’s leading cutting horse centers in the heart of Texas. You’re invited to join the fun while you support Careity Foundation’s work in the cancer community!


Hooey Party featuring Shane Smith & The Saints sponsor -Turquoise carpet fashion with Shelby Mayfield | Las Vegas, NV | 12/3/2021

After attending the NFR for years and typically being disappointed in the very generic options for musical entertainment, we set out to change the experience for Hooey enthusiasts. We’re pleased to report that the Hooey Party at Brooklyn Bowl is now a highly-anticipated annual event during two nights of the NFR. Best of all, we’re able to share incredible music with all our friends!


Cowboy channel Cavender’s NFR fashion segment | Las Vegas, NV | 12/3/2021

3:30 pm PST Cowboy Channel Tailgate at Cowboy Christmas Las Vegas Convention Center


Hailey Kinsel  Autograph Session At Booth #409 | Las Vegas, NV | 12/4/2021

10:30-11:30 PST Cavender’s  Cowboy Christmas booth #409


Riley Webb Autograph Session At Booth #409 | Las Vegas, NV | 12/4/2021

1-2 pm PST Cavender’s Cowboy Christmas booth #409


Pro Fantasy Rodeo- NFR 2021 | 12/1 – 12/11

Sign up online to play the 2021 Edition of the NFR Pro Fantasy Rodeo Game with over $200,000 in cash and prizes!


Chattahoochee Hills Eventing Southeastern Schooling Show Championships | Fairburn, GA | 12/4 – 12/5

Schooling Shows are the grass roots starting point for your show career with many divisions to choose which are suitable for all – for riders just beginning their riding careers and a more affordable option for advanced riders or for riders looking for mileage with an inexperienced mount. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing hosts 7 Eventing and Dressage schooling shows a year – including the Southeastern Schooling Show Championships.


Josh Turner at The Venetian | Las Vegas, NV | 12/4/2021

Nashville artist Josh Turner is a country music fan first. His version of Mount Rushmore features country music legends Randy Travis, John Anderson, Johnny Cash, Vern Gosdin, and Hank Williams. These giants form the core of his new album, Country State of Mind. “They taught me how to be Josh Turner.” The dozen songs on Country State of Mind span more than half a century of classic country music. For nearly two decades, Turner has been one of country music’s most recognizable voices. He’s sold more than 8.5 million units and amassing more than 2.5 billion global streams. Josh has never kept his love for traditional country music a secret. With this latest album, he is truly in a Country State of Mind.


Cowboy channel Cavender’s NFR fashion segment | Las Vegas, NV | 12/6/2021

3:30 pm PST Cowboy Channel Tailgate  at Cowboy Christmas Las Vegas Convention Center


Dale Brisby Autograph Session At Booth #409 | Las Vegas, NV | 12/4/2021

11:00 am PST Cavender’s Cowboy Christmas booth #409


Hailey Kinsel Autograph Session At Booth #409 | Las Vegas, NV | 12/4/2021

12:00 pm PST Cavender’s Cowboy Christmas booth  #409


Lari Dee Guy Autograph Session At Booth #409 | Las Vegas, NV | 12/4/2021

2:00 pm PST Cavender’s Cowboy Christmas booth #409


Hooey Party featuring Nelly sponsor -Turquoise carpet fashion with Shea Fisher | Las Vegas, NV | 12/10/2021

After attending the NFR for years and typically being disappointed in the very generic options for musical entertainment, we set out to change the experience for Hooey enthusiasts. We’re pleased to report that the Hooey Party at Brooklyn Bowl is now a highly-anticipated annual event during two nights of the NFR. Best of all, we’re able to share incredible music with all our friends!


Cavender’s Fashion Show Mall Grand Opening | Las Vegas, NV | 12/10 – 12/11


RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo | Waco, TX | 12/30/2021 – 1/1/2022

Don’t miss any of the thrilling rodeo action as the best cowboys and cowgirls from the Texas circuit compete for top honors at the RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo. The RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo will be held December 30, 2021 – January 1, 2022 at the Extraco Events Center. Spectators will enjoy seven rodeo events (bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping and barrel racing) along with the fan favorite Mutton Bustin’.

Women's Fashion

Women’s Holiday Fashion- Dress It Up Or Dress It Down

November 23, 2021

Dressing up or dressing down, Cavender’s has you covered from head to toe this season. Fall fashion has arrived, and brought with it all the best in outerwear. Add spice to your fall wardrobe with new cuts, luscious textiles and bold patterns. 

Sweaters and duster-length cardigans continue to be a popular choice in women’s outerwear. Styles with retro-inspired colors, southwest motifs, and dolman sleeves add a stylish modern nod to traditional sweaters. Be holiday party ready by pairing soft textiles with ankle length jeans and high heeled booties. Layer on sterling silver and American southwest inspired accessories

Perfect for getting chores done on the ranch or running out to grab a coffee with friends, a must-have for fall weather is the shacket. A combination between an oversized shirt and a jacket, shackets are popping up in a variety of textiles from flannel to cuddly sherpa. Pair with your favorite athleisure and say hello to cooler weather in style. Crop tops are a current staple in women’s fashion. A crop top under a shacket is a just-right pairing. 

Fringe is here to stay in western fashion and beyond. Look for fringe to be front and center this winter on handbags, leather and suede vests – the usual places. Surprise! Fringe is making a resurgence on western cut shirts, and denim jackets. Don’t be afraid to go bold. New styles in women’s tops include architectural details. Think along the lines of bold silhouettes, puff sleeves, smocked waists, and bodysuits with high necklines.

News and Events

Thank You Veterans

November 10, 2021
Thank You Veterans
Thank You Veterans

Lone Survivor Foundation (LSF) is a non-profit organization that provides in-person and virtual programs. Using therapeutic tools, they help veterans and their families recover from PTSD, mild Traumatic Brain Injury, and chronic pain.

The donation from this promotion directly supports LSF’s life-changing programs that provide relief from trauma symptoms, direction on tools and resources for continued healing, and hope for a strong future for veterans and their families.

Driven by their core values of Family, Authenticity, Quality and Hard Work, Cavender’s is dedicated to giving back to our veterans. When customers purchase items from Cavender’s and Cavender’s.com on Thursday, November 11th, 2% of the purchase price will be donated to the Lone Survivor Foundation. Cavender’s has pledged a minimum donation of $20,000 and will donate up to a total of $35,000 based on sales.

News and Events

Community Events for November 2021

October 22, 2021

November Events

 

Texas Department of Agriculture Family Land Heritage Ceremony | Austin, TX | 11/3/2021

The Family Land Heritage (FLH) program is a recognition program that honors families who have owned and operated a continuous agricultural operation for 100 years or more. Every year TDA hosts a ceremony at the Texas State Capitol to celebrate and commemorate the families who have passed down their proud Texas legacy from generation to generation.


Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Fall Festival | Mercedes, TX | 11/4 – 11/7

The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Inc. was created to provide a safe and educational environment that promotes family, community and volunteerism. They strive to promote the youth of South Texas through leadership development, agricultural education, and competition with a goal of creating the leaders of tomorrow.


Rockwall County Sheriff’s Posse Roundup | Rockwall, TX | 11/6

Come join the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Posse in celebration of our community’s western heritage and agricultural roots.
Bring the whole family and join in on the fun. You don’t want to miss this! There will be live music, delicious food, an area for the kiddos to practice their ropin’ skills, and plenty of shopping at our western marketplace.


Women’s Fund Power of the Purse Luncheon | Tyler, TX | 11/9/2021

Celebrate with the Women’s Fund as they welcome 16-year-old entrepreneur and Texas native, Miss Mikaila Ulmer! This incredible young lady started her empire at 4 and a half years old and has since seen her company Me & the Bees Lemonade grow from yesterday’s humble front yard lemonade stand sales to today’s nationwide sales through major retailers including Whole Foods and Target.


Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo | Amarillo, TX | 11/10 – 11/14

In March of 1995, a group of people from across the western United States created the Working Ranch Cowboys Association to promote ranching and to preserve the lifestyle of the working ranch cowboy. WRCA produces the World Championship Ranch Rodeo as a means to showcase the skills of the working ranch cowboy and to raise funds for the WRCA Foundation.


Cowtown Birthplace of Western Swing Festival | Fort Worth, TX | 11/11 – 11/13

Come see a Who’s Who of Legendary Musicians to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Birth of Western Swing where Bob Wills & Milton Brown created their magical dance music.


Texas Country Music Awards | Fort Worth, TX | 11/14/2021

The Texas Country Music Association’s members, directors, and advisory council members work together to consistently assist, promote and support the Texas Country Music and Christian Country Music industries and everyone in it in every aspect possible.


Cavender-Draggin’ M 17th Annual Fall Production Sale | Jacksonville, TX | 11/19 – 11/20

We invite you to join us at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch for our 17th Annual Fall Production Sale and the 2nd Annual Fall Female Sale. Our partners and cooperators have put together an outstanding set of cattle and we would love to have you as our guest as you come evaluate the offering.


Healing through Horsemanship Luncheon | Tyler, TX | 11/19/2021

There’s a celebrity coming to Tyler! Join Starbrite Therapeutic Equestian Center at this luncheon featuring Amberley Snyder from Netflix’s “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” Amberley will share the inspirational story of how a tragic accident threatened to end her barrel-racing career and her perseverance to return to riding only 4 short months after the accident.

News and Events

Community Events for October 2021

October 22, 2021

October Events

American Royal Livestock Show | Kansas City, MO | 10/6 – 10/24

The American Royal is a non-profit organization that has been based in Kansas City since 1899. They provide opportunities for youth and adults from around the country to compete in the Livestock Show, ProRodeo, and Horse Shows. In 2021 The American Royal Livestock Show will be celebrating its 122nd year.


Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo | Waco, TX | 10/7 – 10/17

Over the past 67 years the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo has offered a place to come and support the community while enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells that make the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo what it is! Operating as a non-profit organization they produce events for education, entertainment, and agricultural experiences while giving back through youth scholarships and a positive economic impact.


Cowboy Stampede Rodeo | Stillwater, OK | 10/7 – 10/9

The OSU Rodeo Team and the Ferguson College of Agriculture at Oklahoma State University are proud to host our 8th annual Cowboy Stampede Rodeo. Performances will take place at the Payne County Expo Center. The Cowboy Stampede is sanctioned by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. The NIRA includes 11 national regions, and OSU participates in the Central Plains Region, which features 28 colleges and universities from Kansas and Oklahoma, totaling more than 500 regional competitors.


Bullfighters Only Red River Rumble | Dallas, TX | 10/9/2021

Bullfighters Only (BFO) brings something totally fresh to the rural market, while captivating mainstream audiences. The Toto de Lidia has been bred for thousands of years for use by traditional Matadors, but BFO brings the unique Spanish Fighting Bull into the United States to pit them up against the best Bullfighters on offer.


Day of the Cowboy Ranch Rodeo | Huntsville, AL | 10/15 – 10/17

The Day of the Cowboy Ranch Rodeo is an event that showcases the working ranch cowboy and the skills that are used when handling cattle from horseback. Ranch Rodeo in itself will transport you back in time as it goes to the beginning of our sport. With a team competition focusing on five events that center around the every day workings of a cattle ranch, it is rodeo at its roots. Our five events consist of Double Mugging, Branding, Ranch Bronc Riding, Trailer Loading, and Wild Cow Milking.


Go Rodeo Roundup | San Antonio, TX | 10/16/2021

The Go Rodeo Roundup is one of the largest fundraisers of the year for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Scholarship Fund. Guests enjoy gourmet catering, a full assortment of beverages, live music, door prizes and silent & live auctions.


Lone Survivor Foundation Red, White, and Blue Jean BBQ | Conroe, TX | 10/16/2021

Lone Survivor Foundation’s mission is to provide veterans and their families with a path to healing from their invisible wounds. Benefits from the event will go towards the foundation and helping veterans.


Bullfighters Only Cavender’s Cup | Waco, TX | 10/17/2021

Bullfighters Only (BFO) brings something totally fresh to the rural market, while captivating mainstream audiences. The Toto de Lidia has been bred for thousands of years for use by traditional Matadors, but BFO brings the unique Spanish Fighting Bull into the United States to pit them up against the best Bullfighters on offer.


Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo | Waco, TX | 10/17/2021

The Brazos Valley Fair & Exposition, DBA Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, was organized for educational, scientific and charitable purposes to encourage, promote and maintain agricultural science, research, and educational functions. The funds of the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo are used to provide scholarships to deserving youth in the Brazos Valley and throughout Texas and to maintain and improve the Brazos County Expo.


Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering | Waco, TX | 10/23/2021

Join us this year for the 30th anniversary of the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering. People travel from all over the world to see hundreds of ranch rodeo contestants, poets, musicians, wagon train participants and vendors from all over the country.


San Antonio Cattle Baron’s Gala | Waco, TX | 10/23/2021

The 43rd annual San Antonio Cattle Baron’s Gala promises to bring a toe-tapping, knee-slapping good time as we “Cowboy Up to Cancer” and kick-up our heels to give back to our community and American Cancer Society’s life-saving mission on October 23, 2021.


Dallas Cattle Baron’s Gala | Dallas, TX | 10/23/2021

The Cattle Baron’s Ball relies on the spirit and generosity of the Metroplex to fund the fight against cancer. Since 1974, we’ve raised over $86 million for cancer research, the majority of which is conducted right here in DFW. True to Texas’ history of rising to the challenge, we’ve become the world’s largest single-night fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.


Central Texas Cattle Baron’s Ball | Waco, TX | 10/23/2021

Cancer hasn’t stopped, and neither will we. We are excited to be involved in helping plan the 2021 Central Texas Cattle Baron’s Ball which raises funds to support the important work done by the American Cancer Society.


State Fair of Louisiana | Shreveport, LA | 10/28 – 11/14

Welcome to the 115th edition of the State Fair of Louisiana! Please join us for the largest livestock show and carnival in the state. The State Fair of Louisiana is a not for profit organization run by a board of directors and staff with a mission “To promote the industrial and agricultural resources of the great State of Louisiana and to provide a better quality of life for its citizens through education and entertainment.”


Cinch Roping Fiesta | San Angelo, TX | 10/28 – 10/31

The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association initiated the Roping Fiesta in 1954 as a way to help generate revenue for the association in the off season from the stock show and rodeo. The Roping Fiesta has always been at least a two day event, though the events featured have varied to include calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, steer roping and double mugging.


Texas Tech Rodeo | Lubbock, TX | 10/28 – 10/30

Founded in 1923 as Texas Technological College, the rodeo team would compete with other groups in the area until the formation of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) in 1949. Texas Tech’s first rodeo team in 1947 won the first Texas Intercollegiate Rodeo held at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. This first rodeo was such a success that the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) was soon formed.