End of season premier events cancelled due to EHV-1 Outbreak.
A strain of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) — including neurological cases classified as equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — was confirmed by multiple equine veterinary clinics in Texas on November 18, with several cases traced to horses attending major events such as the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals and Elite Barrel Race held November 5–9, in Waco.
BFA World Championships Cancelled
The Barrel Futurities of America World Championships held November 15 – 22 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, was suspended November 18 through the remainder of the event due to a confirmed positive case of EHV/EHM. During the initial days following the suspension of the BFA, officials were working together with the Lazy E to find a solution to finish the remainder of the event, which had yet to finish running the Derby, or the Futurity classes. However, on November 24 the BFA announced the official cancellation of the 2025 BFA.
The statement posted to the BFA social media pages read:
BFA Official Update
After the difficult decision to cancel the 40th Anniversary BFA this past week due to the EHV outbreak, and after carefully reviewing every possible option, the BFA Board has made the decision to cancel the remainder of the 2025 show.
For all contestants who were checked in and did not get the chance to compete, entry fee refunds will be issued.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected during this unprecedented situation. Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our barrel racing community.
All-In Races Cancelled
Similar events followed suit in response to the increased health protocols and travel requirements put into place across multiple states including the State of Nevada which included five-day health certificates, plus a 21 day rule that any horses that had been on the premises listed below, will not be allowed entry into Arizona or Nevada for 21 days following exposure, even if horses are non-symptomatic.
- Guthrie, OK Lazy E Arena
- Waco, TX Extraco Event Center
- Stephenville, TX 377 Arena
- Edna, TX Arena
The All-In Barrel Race, set to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Orleans Hotel and Casino, December 4-14, announced the cancellation of their 2025 event on November 25.
“Regretfully, the All-In Barrel Race & Breakaway has made the tough decision to cancel the 2025 event,” the statement read.
The All-In had announced on November 21 that contestants would be given the option to rollover their entries to the 2026 or 2027 event, and in response a significant amount of contestants chose to do so.
“Due to the overwhelming amount of rollovers we have received, it makes zero economic sense to go on with the event with so few contestants competing. We put it in the hands of the contestants to choose to have this event or not. We believe this was the best possible outcome for the overall safety of the equine athletes,” the statement continued.
National Finals Breakaway Roping Postponed
On November 21, The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association announced the postponement of the National Finals Breakaway Roping, which was set to be held at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, December 2-3.
The statement from the WPRA read:
“The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association have received notice from the venue regarding the 2025 National Finals Breakaway Roping, PRCA Permit Challenge, and Benny Binion Bucking Horse Sale. Out of caution and the Nov. 21 stringent biosecurity guidelines, the events will not take place on Dec. 2, 3 or 4 at the South Point Arena. Potential dates and venues are being explored to host these events in a timely manner.”
Find full list of cancelled or postponed WPRA events here.
National Finals Rodeo Will Continue Under Stringent Health Guidelines
On November 21, the PRCA announced the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo would continue as scheduled under stringent health protocols.
The statement from the PRCA read as follows:
Las Vegas Events and the PRCA, in coordination with the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Texas Animal Health Commission, have announced updated equine health guidelines for the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. These measures are designed to protect the wellbeing of all participating horses, while upholding the highest standards of biosecurity and animal care.
The updated stringent equine health guidelines for the 2025 NFR include the following key points:
- All horses must have a Seven-Day Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and a unique entry permit number obtained from the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
- All participants and competitors are responsible for daily temperature monitoring of their horses.
- There is a no-travel advisory for all horses participating and competing at the NFR.
- Enhanced verification and check-in procedures will be in place at the Thomas & Mack Center.
- Biosecurity measures will be maintained throughout the event.
**The Junior National Finals Rodeo will follow similar safety procedures for the competition at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
