What the South Dakota High School Finals Rodeo Is
The South Dakota High School Finals Rodeo is the state championship of the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association. Qualifying cowboys and cowgirls compete for state titles over a week at the Stanley County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierre, and the champions earn places on South Dakota's team at the National High School Finals Rodeo. The 2026 finals, held June 16 to 21, were the 77th annual. The rodeo is scheduled to stay at the Stanley County Fairgrounds through 2027.
Events
| Rough stock | Timed events | Cattle and horse work |
|---|---|---|
| Bareback riding | Barrel racing | Boys cutting |
| Saddle bronc riding | Pole bending | Girls cutting |
| Bull riding | Breakaway roping | Reined cow horse |
| Goat tying, tie-down roping | ||
| Steer wrestling, team roping |
The association also sends a shooting team to nationals, in rifle and trap.
How It Works: The Format
- Reined cow horse and cutting run first in the week; in 2026 the second go of those events was held midweek.
- Rodeo events start Thursday morning with the first round, followed by a second round Thursday night.
- Further rounds run Friday morning and Friday night.
- Saturday is the short go, where the finals are decided.
- Champions are crowned and the national team is set.
What Contestants Win
- Awards for champions range from belt buckles to saddles.
- Champions earn a spot on South Dakota's team at the National High School Finals Rodeo; in 2026 that rodeo was held the following month in Lincoln, Nebraska.
- In 2024, the top four finishers in each event advanced to nationals in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Recent Results
In 2025 the champions included Taos Weborg in bareback (84 points), Brooke Diedrichs of Wall in barrel racing (85), Adessa Haugen of Reliance in breakaway roping, Kylee Zancanella of Aurora in pole bending (72), Drew Harper of Faith and Jet Jensen of Belle Fourche in team roping, and Drake Boomsma of Box Elder in tie-down. In 2024, Arina Haugen of Sturgis qualified for nationals in three events (barrel racing, breakaway roping and pole bending), and Ryen Sheppick of Pierre won breakaway, girls cutting and reined cow horse.
Who Can Compete
Contestants are high school members of the association who qualify for the finals; full results by event are posted at sdhsra.com.
Where
Stanley County Fairgrounds, 310 Casey Tibbs Street, Fort Pierre, SD 57532.
Questions
When is the next finals?
The 2026 finals were June 16 to 21; the rodeo is slated to be at the same fairgrounds through 2027, and the association posts the next dates.
Where can I find results?
sdhsra.com and rodeoprogram.com carry complete results.
Who can I contact?
The South Dakota High School Rodeo Association, through sdhsra.com. Marty Philips is the association's public relations director.
Official Links
- Saddle up for the 77th annual finals
- 2025 champions
- 2024 results and national qualifiers
- Stanley County events calendar
Major South Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos: The Essentials
South Dakota's three marquee events are the State Fair in Huron, the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo in Rapid City, and the Days of '76 Rodeo in Deadwood.
State Fair
Held in Huron over Labor Day weekend: September 2-7 in 2026 and September 1-6 listed for 2027. 4-H and FFA members show beef, sheep, swine, goats, dairy, rabbits and poultry. 4-H deadlines are firm: enrollment May 31, ID and DNA June 1, YLL July 1, FairEntry August 1.
Black Hills Stock Show
Established in 1959 in Rapid City, listed for January 29 to February 6, 2027, with about 120 livestock, horse and rodeo events. Youth Day on February 6, 2027 offers judging, Skillathon, Hippology and a Beef Cook-Off.
Days of '76
A PRCA rodeo in Deadwood in late July, with free parades on Main Street Friday and Saturday.
Read the full guide: Major South Dakota Stock Shows and Rodeos
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Goat Tying Clinic
Held each year; the most recent dates were April 25-26, 2026. A goat tying clinic for rodeo youth at the Stanley County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierre.
310 Casey Tibbs Street, Fort Pierre, SD 57532 Official event details - South Dakota State 4-H Shooting and Archery Finals
Held each year; the most recent dates were April 24-26, 2026. South Dakota 4-H shooters and archers meet at the Stanley County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Fort Pierre.
310 Casey Tibbs Street, Fort Pierre, SD 57532 | Organizer: South Dakota 4-H Official event details - Casey Tibbs Match of Champions
Held each year; the most recent date was June 6, 2026, at 5 PM at the Stanley County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierre, named for the local world champion Casey Tibbs.
310 Casey Tibbs Street, Fort Pierre, SD 57532 Official event details - Stanley County 4-H Horse Show
Held each year; the most recent date was June 23, 2026. County 4-H members show horses at the Stanley County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierre.
310 Casey Tibbs Street, Fort Pierre, SD 57532 | Organizer: Stanley County 4-H Official event details - Fort Pierre 4th of July Rodeo
Held each year; the most recent run was June 30 to July 4, 2026, the 100th rodeo, with SDRA/NRCA-sanctioned performances July 3-4 plus a boat parade, parade and fireworks.
All South Dakota events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.