5 things to watch at NFR: Precautions taken after Equine Herpesvirus outbreak
Summary
The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) kicks off at the Thomas & Mack Center for a 10-day run celebrating 40 years in Las Vegas. A major storyline heading into the event is an Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) outbreak affecting horses across the Midwest and Southwest, which has already forced postponements of some lead-up events, including the National Finals Breakaway Roping at South Point Arena.
Organisers — the PRCA and Las Vegas Events — say the outbreak won’t stop the competition but have implemented extra precautions: increased stall spacing, a requirement that all horses stay onsite for the full 10 days, removal of dedicated Grand Entry stalls and coordinated health guidelines with the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Other headlines to follow during the NFR: the return of five-time all-around champion Stetson Wright after a long absence; a tight money race in the all-around and bull riding (notably between Wright and Wacey Schalla); rising star Rocker Steiner leading bareback; and several competitors hunting repeat titles (Ryder Wright, Kassie Mowry, Riley Webb).
Key Points
- Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) outbreak has spread across the Midwest and Southwest and led to postponement of at least two NFR-related events, including the Breakaway Roping.
- PRCA and Las Vegas Events increased stall spacing and will require all competing horses to remain onsite for the full 10 days; the dedicated Grand Entry stalls were removed as a result.
- Health guidelines were developed with the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Texas Animal Health Commission to protect participating horses; organisers maintain the core 10-day competition will proceed.
- Stetson Wright returns to action after nearly two years out and currently leads the all-around standings, with a tight battle underway with Wacey Schalla in the bull riding and all-around races.
- Young talent and repeat-chase storylines to watch: bareback leader Rocker Steiner; Ryder Wright defending saddle bronc; Kassie Mowry and Riley Webb pursuing repeat titles in barrel racing and tie-down roping respectively.
Why should I read this
Short and sharp: if you care about the NFR — whether you’re a fan, competitor or industry watcher — the virus precautions could shift schedules, who rides and the event atmosphere. This sums up the fallout and the can’t-miss rivalries so you can get up to speed without sifting through notices and postponement alerts.
Author’s take
Punchy: This isn’t just a health bulletin — it’s a potential game-changer for competitors and fans. Keep an eye on the EHV-1 measures and the tight money races; both will shape how the next 10 days play out.