Behind The Chutes - Midwest Rodeo Stories

Behind The Chutes - Midwest Rodeo Stories Behind The Chutes - Midwest Rodeo Stories works to preserve the history of rodeos throughout the Midwestern USA. We continue to grow on that basis.

It was once focused on the United Rodeo Association, formed in 1962 and now one of the country's largest rodeo associations. The United Rodeo Association is a non-profit organization established in 1962 that sanctions rodeos primarily in the nine-state area of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The URA season goes year round, beginning in

September or October after the point cut-off for our Finals Rodeo. Our Championship Finals Rodeo is held each fall and features the top 15 contestants in each of nine events. (Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Women's Barrel Racing, Calf Roping, Forty and Over Calf Roping, Breakaway Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping)


The URA has averaged 800 members each of the past few years and annually approves or co-approves an average of more than 100 rodeos. Our strength is in giving solid support to regional rodeo within our established territory. Our primary goal is to work cooperatively with committees, stock contractors, members and contestants for our mutual success!

Check out the rodeo action this weekend in Albia, Iowa.
10/02/2025

Check out the rodeo action this weekend in Albia, Iowa.

Here are pictures from the 1971 URA finals program. Pretty neat reading the bios on each contestant. Interesting to see ...
09/30/2025

Here are pictures from the 1971 URA finals program. Pretty neat reading the bios on each contestant. Interesting to see that the team ropers just provided pictures.

1995 final year end standings for the URA.
09/28/2025

1995 final year end standings for the URA.

Big shout out to the committees that work so hard to produce quality events in big and small towns everywhere. Share you...
09/21/2025

Big shout out to the committees that work so hard to produce quality events in big and small towns everywhere. Share your best memory below of a committee going above and beyond for the contestants.

Everyone did so good identifying the last photo this one might be a little harder. Added a picture with more information...
09/17/2025

Everyone did so good identifying the last photo this one might be a little harder. Added a picture with more information. This was the second year for the URA finals being held at the Sunset Arena in Kansas City.

Everyone says to always buy the pictures. Who can name these four cowboys from 1976?
09/15/2025

Everyone says to always buy the pictures. Who can name these four cowboys from 1976?

Good luck to everyone competing at finals this year. Every finals leaves each person with memories some good and some no...
09/04/2025

Good luck to everyone competing at finals this year. Every finals leaves each person with memories some good and some not so good, but memories nonetheless.

Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
09/02/2025

Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.

Michael was born on September 9th, 1956 and passed away on August 27th, 2025 at the age of 68

Small towns that keep their rodeo traditions throughout the years are treasured. Here is a throwback to when black and w...
08/31/2025

Small towns that keep their rodeo traditions throughout the years are treasured. Here is a throwback to when black and white photos were the norm and cell phones were non existent. Good luck to everyone Labor Day weekend at the Eskridge, KS rodeo. Rodeo Gold Productions

07/01/2025
06/24/2025

The URA board of directors has created a new page, but in the interest of preserving the association's 63 year history, the plan is to keep this page alive as a historical scrapbook of the URA and its' rodeos. Message this page with suggestions of people, places, and animals with URA ties that should be featured here.

Here's to preserving the rich history of the United Rodeo Association!

For 2025 season information, follow the board's new page, https://www.facebook.com/share/1Axwzcicj3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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