Rodeo Daily

The NFR Open Could Be A Game Changer For These Rodeo Athletes On The Standings Bubble

As the NFR Open kicks off tonight in Colorado Springs, several athletes are on the bubble, trying to make big moves in the world standings.
Keni Labrum|
Jarod Torrence of Indian Trail, North Carolina, competes in saddle bronc during the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla., Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
Jarod Torrence of Indian Trail, North Carolina, competes in saddle bronc during the International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Okla., Wednesday, July 10, 2024. | BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

The NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo kicks off its opening night tonight, July 8, and will continue through the 12th. The format of this rodeo allows contestants two rounds, where the top eight competitors will then move on to the semi-finals.

After the conclusion of the semi-finals, the top four will advance to the final round. Once an athlete has advanced to one of the final rounds, their previous times or scores will be disregarded for a sudden-death match.

Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. (2025). More details. https://www.pikespeakorbust.org/more-details/
Proceeds from the NFR Open Rodeo support local military and their families. Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. (2025). More details. https://www.pikespeakorbust.org/more-details/ | Paul Welitzkin/Cheboygan Daily Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sitting on the bubble of the top 15 spots that make it to the National Finals Rodeo are a handful of athletes you won’t want to miss in the first performance of the five-day rodeo.

In the saddle bronc riding is Ryder Sanford who sits 20th in the world, along with bull rider Tristan Mize, who currently sits 19th in the world.

Calvary Norris of Bryan stays aboard during Bull Riding at Stamford’s Texas Cowboy Reunion Wednesday July 2, 2025.
Calvary Norris of Bryan stays aboard during Bull Riding at Stamford’s Texas Cowboy Reunion Wednesday July 2, 2025. | Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In the timed events, Kyle Irwin is 18th in the steer wrestling, while Kyle Lucas sits at 17th place in the tie-down roping.

Katelyn Scott has her eyes set on an NFR qualification as she currently claims the 16th spot in the barrel racing which is only $601 out of 15th place.

Lastly, breakaway ropers Brooke Ladner, who sits 18th, and Kelsie Domer, who sits 20th, will rope their calf tonight to try to bump up in the standings. The 14th-17th place girls have each earned $38,000 and some change to make it a tight race.

With prize money of over $683,000 added, this rodeo would make a major contribution to these athletes as they keep fighting for a spot inside the coveted top 15. Doing so would give them a chance to compete at the National Finals Rodeo in December where world champions are crowned.

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Keni Labrum
KENI LABRUM

The rodeo world is nothing new to Keni. Living between two dominant rodeo states, Utah and Texas, and having competed herself, Keni has been around rodeos on every level across the country. While goat tying was her strongest event, she now competes in breakaway roping and also throws the occasional head loop. Keni graduated from Tarleton State University in 2025, where she received her Bachelors in Communications and Masters in Business Management. You can usually recognize her around the fairgrounds with her infamous white shag, Hooey dog.

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