It’s early Fall in the world-famous Blue Mountain foothills of North Carolina. Leaves are transitioning to shades of deep auburn, and there is a distinct buzz of excitement surrounding the acclaimed Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort in Mill Spring, NC. In the first week of October, all eyes will turn to the World Champion’s Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) Rodeo Carolina major event, with high-caliber entries headlining each performance and event. 

Athletes from across the nation will make their way to the foothills of the Blue Mountains for their shot at taking home a piece of the $400,000+ payout. For many, additional bonuses will also be at stake, making Rodeo Carolina the richest rodeo east of the Mississippi River. Bonuses, including the Reliance Ranches VRQ Bonus Champions, will be awarded, concluding many athletes' 2023 season in a victorious tone. The VRQ Bonus race wrapped up in September; however, the points champions (highest points earner) in each event will be officially awarded the $25,000 bonus in North Carolina. 

Most notably, saddle bronc rider  Isaac Diaz will compete for an extraordinary additional opportunity- to the tune of $1 million- hanging in the balance. Riding for his third consecutive WCRA Triple Crown of Rodeo victory, Diaz has put himself in historic contention to become WCRA’s second million-dollar cowboy. 

Kelsie Domer during the third round of the Women's Rodeo World Championship . Photo by Leo Loera for Bull Stock Media.

Breakaway roping will also be a hotly contested competition, sure to go the wire. Not many stages present the opportunity for legends like Kelsie Domer to compete alongside their prodigies like 14-year-old twins Kelsie and Kylie Reininger– however, they will go head-to-head in North Carolina. The prestigious Tryon International Equestrian Center will serve as the perfect backdrop for three days of exhilarating roping. 

As athletes from across the nation make their way to North Carolina, Benson, North Carolina native Kristin Yde will feel right at home. The home-state barrel horse trainer and futurity racer will look to add this prestigious event to her expansive resume of accomplishments and barrel racing accolades. Ryann Pedone and young gun Annika Ruth will also headline the event, creating a fierce pack of competitive barrel racers running on the North Carolina ground. 

As Rodeo Carolina quickly approaches, rodeo fans and athletes alike will be prepared for edge-of-your-seat action as the storylines begin to take shape at the first-class equestrian facility and resort.  

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