About Us:

The Heartland Youth Rodeo Association, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been a Kansas tradition since 1899, celebrates our region's rich heritage through competition and entertainment. As a not-for-profit community volunteer based organization, the Heartland Youth Rodeo Association raises funds to fulfill its vision and mission though endowments, contributions, sponsorships and event revenues.

The Heartland Youth Rodeo Association was founded in 1989 and incorporated on October 31, 1989. The association was formed to elevate the requirements and standards of junior rodeo and develop a spirit of fair competition and appreciation of good sportsmanship. HYRA is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to the sport of junior rodeo, youth and families, and just plain good-old All-American fun through the spirit of friendly competition.

The association is geared for kindergartners through the twelfth grade, but we do accept younger aged participants. Our rodeo season consists of 14 rodeos, or 7 weekends with each day counting as a rodeo. To qualify for our finals you must attend 6 rodeos, compete in the finals both days, and meet all the obligations. Our events are held at the Kingman County Activity Center in Kingman, KS. Stalls and Hook-ups are available. This past 2014-15 rodeo season, we had 70 members with an average of 200 + entries a day and anticipate continuing growth this season. Our organization, led by our board of directors, continues to improve the status of our association by acquiring new events, activities and adding to our awards given at the finals. This season we have added 9th-12th Steer Stopping and 5th-8th saddle bronc steer riding and bareback steer riding.

The rodeos begin at 9:00 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. The rodeos are held at the Kingman Activity Center in Kingman, KS. 

Our association helps to build skills that our children can use in junior high/high school rodeo and beyond. We stress responsibility, cooperation and good conduct in our participants. We see this as a way to help our youth to develop into outgoing and productive individual in their communities. We strive to encourage the members to perform to his or her highest potential and to realize their dreams.

HYRA continues to grow All Around Champions, State Champions, National Qualifiers and National Champions in both Jr. High & High School Rodeo as well as other Associations. We are very proud of our kids and their accomplishments. We would be pleased to have you join our “Family”!