Just days before the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2025 in Las Vegas, three major lead-up events at South Point Arena have been postponed amid tightened equine biosecurity concerns.
The National Finals of Breakaway Roping (NFBR), the PRCA Permit Challenge, and the Benny Binion Bucking Horse Sale — all originally scheduled for December 2–4 at South Point Arena & Equestrian Center — will not run on those dates or at that venue. The PRCA and WPRA are now working to determine new dates and host locations.
What Happened?
According to announcements from South Point, the PRCA and the WPRA, the arena will limit equine activity on the property in the days immediately before the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale and the Wrangler NFR.
Following the release of updated biosecurity guidelines on November 21, South Point informed rodeo organizers that it could no longer safely host the NFBR, PRCA Permit Challenge and Benny Binion Bucking Horse Sale on December 2–4. As a result, those events have been postponed while alternative plans are developed.
Both the PRCA and WPRA have publicly supported the decision, emphasizing that the move is about protecting horses, contestants and the long-term integrity of the winter rodeo run.
Why Biosecurity Is Suddenly in the Spotlight
The postponements come in the wake of an equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) situation tied to recent major barrel racing and breakaway roping events.
Health authorities and equine organizations have:
- Identified EHV-1 / EHM cases in multiple states connected to a large fall event.
- Placed certain horses and their barnmates under a 14-day movement hold, running into early December.
- Required twice-daily temperature checks and strict isolation for affected groups.
- Issued heightened biosecurity guidelines for all large equine events headed into the winter season.
With thousands of horses expected to converge on Las Vegas for the Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale, Wrangler NFR 2025 and related jackpots, organizers are under strong pressure to minimize risk by reducing overlapping events and travel in the immediate lead-up.
Which Events Are Affected?
Postponed (Originally Dec 2–4 at South Point)
- National Finals of Breakaway Roping (NFBR)
- PRCA Permit Challenge
- Benny Binion Bucking Horse Sale
These events are postponed, not canceled. The PRCA and WPRA are actively exploring options for:
- New dates later in December or early 2026
- Alternative venues that can safely host horses under the current guidelines
- Maintaining purse levels and qualification integrity wherever possible
Still Scheduled (As of This Update)
- Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale — South Point Arena, December 5–14
- Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2025 — Thomas & Mack Center, December 4–13
At this time, no changes have been announced to the 10 nightly NFR performances at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Why South Point Moved First
South Point Arena & Equestrian Center is the hub for:
- The Ariat World Series of Team Roping Finale
- Numerous jackpots and side events
- Heavy horse traffic before and during NFR week
By creating a “buffer window” with no major horse events on December 2–4, South Point is attempting to:
- Reduce the chance of introducing EHV-1 right before thousands of new horses arrive.
- Give staff time to clean, disinfect and reset barns, arenas and common areas.
- Align with the latest veterinary and regulatory guidance on disease control.
That safety-first stance, while disruptive in the short term, is intended to protect the larger December schedule and keep the rest of the Las Vegas rodeo lineup on track.
National Ripple Effects: More Events on Hold
The NFBR and Permit Challenge postponements are part of a wider wave of disruptions across the U.S. rodeo and equine calendar.
Recent changes have included:
- Cancellation of some PRCA circuit rodeos and qualifiers.
- Postponed or canceled barrel racing and breakaway jackpots in several states.
- Stricter entry requirements (health papers, proof of vaccination, temperature logs) at remaining events.
For contestants, that means more careful planning, longer hauls to fewer shows, and a close watch on event websites and social feeds for last-minute changes.
What Contestants Should Do Now
If you were entered in the NFBR, Permit Challenge, or Benny Binion Bucking Horse Sale, here are the next steps:
- Watch official channels: Follow PRCA, WPRA, NFR Experience, South Point and event-specific pages for new dates and locations.
- Stay in touch with your vet: Make sure your horses are healthy, current on vaccines and meet all updated biosecurity requirements.
- Document temperatures: Keep detailed temperature logs and paperwork on every horse you plan to haul to Nevada or other winter events.
- Have a Plan B: Consider alternate jackpots or practice plans in case certain events are pushed into early 2026.
What Fans Need to Know
For fans who planned to attend these South Point events live or watch them streamed, the big takeaways are:
- The events are postponed, not canceled. Organizers are looking for ways to keep them on the calendar.
- The main Wrangler NFR 2025 performances at Thomas & Mack remain on schedule at this time.
- South Point’s team roping finale and other NFR week festivities are still moving forward, backed by stricter health protocols.
If you bought tickets or packages for the NFBR, Permit Challenge or Benny Binion Bucking Horse Sale, watch for official updates about refunds, credits, or automatic transfers once new dates are confirmed.
FAQ: NFBR & NFR 2025 Biosecurity Update
Are the NFBR and PRCA Permit Challenge canceled?
No. As of now they are postponed, with the PRCA and WPRA working on new dates and possible new venues. The original South Point dates of December 2–4 will not be used.
Why were these events postponed but the NFR is still on?
The South Point events fall right inside a critical biosecurity window. By removing them, organizers reduce horse traffic and allow more time to prepare for the much larger influx of horses for the team roping finale and NFR week.
Is the 2025 Wrangler NFR at Thomas & Mack in danger?
There has been no announcement suggesting the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2025 is at risk. The postponements are targeted at supporting events, not the main NFR performances.
What should I do if I’m hauling horses to Las Vegas?
Work closely with your veterinarian, follow all state and event biosecurity requirements, keep detailed temperature logs and double-check travel plans against the latest updates from PRCA, WPRA and event organizers.
Where can I get the latest information?
Check the official websites and social media pages for PRCA, WPRA, NFR Experience, South Point Arena and your state’s animal health agency. These sources will share any new dates, host venues and health requirements as soon as they’re finalized.
As the situation evolves, we’ll update this page with the latest information on NFBR 2025, the PRCA Permit Challenge and the Benny Binion Bucking Horse Sale leading into NFR week in Las Vegas.