NLBRA of Michigan
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  • Membership
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  • Trailhands and Expo Events
NLBRA of Michigan
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Forms and Resources
  • Schedule and Announcements
  • Membership
  • Royalty
  • Trailhands and Expo Events

Trail Hands & Expo

Learn about Trail Hand and Expo events for young riders.

Trail Hand Division

A kid playing with a horsw

The Trail Hand Division is the perfect starting point for young rodeo enthusiasts! Designed for boys and girls ages 7 and under, this division helps participants build confidence, develop skills, and learn the fundamentals of rodeo in a fun, supportive environment. Unlike the Little Wrangler division, the Trail Hand Division is unique to Michigan and is not recognized at the national level.

Entries & Schedule

Trail Hand entries are now open for all spring 2025 rodeos!


  • Entries Close: Two weeks before each rodeo, on Sunday at 11 PM
  • Late entries: May be accepted with a $15 late fee
  • First rodeo entry: Must be completed online; after that, standing entry forms can be used
  • Notice: Trail Hands only participate in the Saturday performance for State Finals

Upcoming Rodeos & Entry Links

  • March 29–30, 2025—Enter Here (Closes March 16 at 11 PM)
  • April 12–13, 2025—Enter Here
  • May 3–4, 2025—Enter Here
  • May 17–18, 2025—Enter Here
  • May 31, 2025 (State Finals Weekend)—Enter Here
  • Standing Entry Form for All Spring Rodeos—Download Here

Divisions & Events

For children who have access to a horse.

Events:

  • Pole Bending
  • Goat Tail Untying
  • Barrel Racing
  • Flag Pattern
  • Mutton Busting


For children who do not have access to a horse but still want to experience rodeo. All equipment is provided for non-contact events, or participants may bring their own.


Broken into two age groups:

  • Ages 4 & Under
  • Ages 5–7

Events:

  • Stick Horse Flag Racing
  • Dummy Goat Tying
  • Stick Horse Barrel Racing
  • Stick Horse Down & Back
  • Dummy Calf Roping


Trail Hands also have the option to participate in Open Events.


Expo Mini Bull and Steer Riding


  • Available events and costs vary by stock contractor
  • These events are Expo’s only and do not count towards any year-end or daily points calculations


Rules & Assistance

  • Trail Hands may have assistance in any event
  • If assisted in contact events, the helper must be in full western attire
  • Children can participate in both contact and non-contact events as long as they are assisted
  • Once a child completes a contact event without assistance, they are no longer eligible for the non-contact version of that event

Dual Division Participation

Children ages 5–7 may compete in both the Trail Hand and Little Wrangler (national) divisions.


However, they may not compete in the same event in both divisions (e.g., if entered in Little Wrangler barrels, they cannot enter Trail Hand barrels).

Trail Hand Fees

  • $25 per year (due in full upon joining)


(Paid in addition to membership fee, required for year-end awards):

  • 1st Child: $75 per year
  • 2nd+ Child (Same Family): $50 per year each

Families may pay directly or secure business sponsorships (see sponsorship form here).


(For those joining after the last fall rodeo):

  • 1st Child: $50
  • 2nd+ Child (Same Family): $25 each

Members will still receive year-end awards, but at a reduced level.

For sponsorship questions, contact Lisa Koehn at koehn.lisa@sccresa.org


Event Fees

Contact Events

  • $5 per speed event
  • $10 per goat event
  • $20 per mutton busting

Non-Contact Events

  • $3 per event


For questions about Trail Hand membership, contact Trail Hand Director Jena Becker at trailhandsmichigan@gmail.com

Expo & Open Events

Open events are designed to give younger kids an opportunity to practice and learn about rough stock sports in a safe environment. These events are open to youth who are members of NLBRA of MI. They are Expo-only, meaning no points go towards daily finals, state finals, national qualifications, or awards. Open events are entirely dependent on stock contractors and may not be available at every rodeo. Costs are subject to change at any time. These events take place before the start of each rodeo.

Expo Mini Bulls

Expo Only—No Points or Official Scoring


  • Use of a bull rope is mandatory
  • Helmet and vest strongly recommended
  • $35 per ride (subject to change)

To Enter

 

  • Trail Hands enter through Trail Hand entry forms
  • All others contact Rodeo Secretary

For Questions About Mini Bulls

 

 

  • Contact Jeremy Brockington – (904) 803-7773

 

Copyright © 2026, NLBRA of Michigan. All Rights Reserved.


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