The Rocky Mountain Turf Club is gearing up to host the INFR rodeo in Lethbridge on July 25-26, 2025. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge hosting qualifiers for Indian National Finals Rodeo this weekend

Jul 23, 2025 | 2:41 PM

You can watch some of the best rodeo competitors in the country.

The Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) Qualifying Reconciliation Rodeo is set to take place at the Bully’s Rodeo Arena (Rocky Mountain Turf Club) on Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, 2025.

Nadine Tailfeathers, Senior Manager at Blood Tribe Administration, says, for over 47 years, the INFR has been part of Indian Rodeos, showcasing the strength, thrill and spirit of Indigenous cowboys and cowgirls.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had an INFR Qualifying Rodeo here in these grounds, so we’re happy to try to put something together that the contestants are thrilled to come to this area, to this event, and this venue,” says Tailfeathers.

The early morning slack competition gets underway at 9:00 a.m. each day. Tailfeathers says it will include many of the major categories, such as roping, rough stock, and tie down.

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The evening rodeo and Indian Warrior Relay races start at 6:00 p.m. on both days.

“The relay races are very exciting; they’re very thrilling. There’s a lot of energy promoted with the horses and the riders, and I just encourage everyone to come out and experience it for themselves,” says Tailfeathers.

The winners from the show in Lethbridge will go on to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas on October 14-18.

Each region will send its top competitors to the next-level event.

“I believe that’s why we’re getting a very high record number of entries. Everyone looks forward to that, and it’s competition, so they’re vying for those spots,” says Tailfeathers.

The INFR event also brings with it another kind of importance – reconciliation.

Tailfeathers explains that the Indian Warrior Relay races are a vital part of Indigenous culture.

“We are part of the horse culture, and the horse is part of us. We have a lot of ties to it, culturally and traditionally,” says Tailfeathers. “Through our Indian sport, we have excelled in races and rodeoing.”

This event is a collaboration between the Rocky Mountain Turf Club, the Blood Tribe and the City of Lethbridge, and it is done in part to celebrate Indigenous cultures and athletes.

You can learn more about the INFR event in Lethbridge here.