Story and photos contributed by Mike McCloskey
The future of Rodeo goes right through Central Texas!
On Saturday, March 21 at 7pm, the Superbronc Roughstock Rodeo Challenge rides into Harvest Ranch Arena in Liberty Hill.
This Junior National Finals Rodeo-sanctioned event focuses exclusively on roughstock competition—Saddle Bronc and Bareback Riding—where young athletes compete for a chance to advance to the Junior NFR Championships in Las Vegas during December’s National Finals Rodeo.
Created about a decade ago, the Junior NFR was designed to help develop the next generation of professional rodeo athletes. Many of today’s top Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association competitors began their careers in this very system, including bareback riders Bradlee Miller of Huntsville and Gavin French of Fredericksburg, who now compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Now, that opportunity is riding straight through Central Texas.
Why It Matters Here at Home
Rodeo remains strong nationally, but roughstock competitors are becoming increasingly rare. Recently, leaders within the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association shared that only about 75 active bareback riders are competing across more than 800 sanctioned PRCA rodeos. For a sport built on grit and courage, that number is a reminder that the next generation needs places to train, compete, and grow.
In parts of Central Texas, high school rodeo programs have faded over the past decade, and consistent training opportunities are limited. Events like this help rebuild that pathway.
Mike McCloskey, owner of Chisholm Trail Productions, saw that need and stepped in. After connecting with Las Vegas Events, parent company of the Junior NFR, he committed to hosting this local qualifier and expanding opportunities for young riders.
The morning of the event, competitors will participate in a professional rodeo school, receiving instruction and practice rides under the guidance of experienced cowboys, including Liberty Hill’s own Cole Hollen and Saddle Bronc rider Isaac Diaz of Desdemona. Mike is also developing a training arena on his Rodeo Ranch in Gatesville to give young athletes structured opportunities to develop not only skill, but courage, discipline, and character.
It’s more than an event. It’s an investment in the future of rodeo—and in the young people who carry it forward.
How You Can Be Part of It
Whether you come to cheer on local riders, enter a child in Mutton Busting, or simply experience the energy of an 8-second ride under arena lights, the Superbronc Roughstock Rodeo Challenge offers something increasingly meaningful in fast-growing Central Texas: a way to celebrate tradition while helping shape its future.
A special word of appreciation goes to the many sponsors who help make the event possible, including presenting sponsor Mac Haik Ford Lincoln Georgetown, along with Sport Clips, Firefly Aerospace, and the many community leaders and businesses who continue to invest in the future of rodeo.
Harvest Ranch Arena 8355 RR 1869, Liberty Hill
Gates open at 6pm. The evening begins with crowd-favorite Mutton Busting for ages 3-7 (sign-ups start at 6:15pm), followed by roughstock competition and special features including a calf scramble and the Fort Hood First Mounted Cavalry Unit.
Adults $20 • 11 and under $10 • $49.95 for a family four-pack.
Military families receive half-price admission.