12/17/2020
 
Update from the National Office. Attn all NLBRA members,

As 2020 comes to an end we would like to take the time to thank you all for a very challenging year. This year has brought un foreseen challenges that no one could have ever anticipated.  Viruses, storms, and very challenging economic times showed challenges to the rodeo world like never seen before.   However, you all supported the NLBRA and made it one of the best years yet, you continue to support your local franchise rodeos and your support has proven once again there are no better families than "Rodeo Families" and for that I would like to thank each and every one of you.
 
The board continues to meet regularly to discuss ways to improve and make each finals a better experience than it was the year before. They have decided to extend the National Finals out to 13 performances this year. Check in this year will be on Sunday July 4th by 3:00 pm with the mandatory contestant meeting being that evening at 6:00 pm. Rodeo will start Monday morning and run two performances per day through Saturday and finish up on Sunday with the short go.  The hope is that this will allow our NLBRA Families to enjoy more time together, allow shorter performances so they won't have to start so early in the morning and stay up so late in the evening, and take time to visit the local area and attractions.
 
We are currently taking applications for our personnel for the 2021 finals to include Judges, Timers, Announcers, and Stock Contractors. If you are interested in any of these positions please go to our website under the news and forms tab to get more information. The applications are due no later than January 11th 2021
 
If you put a deposit down on your camp spot during the 2020 finals the deposits will be due no later than January 29th.  Remember that deposit is nonrefundable, if you have questions please contact the National Office prior to that date.  The regular camping and stalling will open up in March watch for more information to come available on that.
 
The National Office will be closed from December 24th thru the New Year and will reopen the morning of the 4th• On behalf of the NLBRA I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
 
Annie
Executive Director NLBRA
awalter@nlbra.com

​2021 News/Forms (nlbra.com)

Photo Courtesy of Traci Davenport Photography

Written by: Dilynn Schafer

In September of 2019, Dilynn Schafer, at the age of 9, made the decision to join the Central Oklahoma Little Britches Rodeo Association as well as the National Little Britches Rodeo Association. She was a little overwhelmed at first being the youngest in her age division, but little did she know the growth that would come and the excitement and reward that would follow this decision. Dilynn qualified for her first national finals in 2 of her 3 events, Barrels and Poles. She also chose to enter the royalty competition and compete for the title of NLBRA Jr. Princess. Although Dilynn is no stranger to rodeo royalty contests, she has held several titles in Oklahoma including Rooster Days Rodeo Princess 2019, Drumright Round up Club Princess 2020 and Miss Rodeo Oklahoma Sweetheart 2018 and 2019, the NLBRA royalty pageant held many new areas of competition that provided a fun challenge. One of her favorite parts of the competition was the working cow horse portion of horsemanship. Dilynn had never done anything like this but with the help of a few local friends with some experience in the area, she quickly fell in love with this new event.
The week of competition in Guthrie was a lot of work but so much fun. Dilynn shined in several areas of the competition but also had some setbacks and disappointments so when it came time for coronation, she really had no idea which direction it would go and who would leave wearing the crown. When asked how she felt in that moment she said, “As I was standing in the middle of the lazy E arena, I was waiting for the announcer to call out who won the title of the 2021 NLBRA Princess. I had no idea who was going to win, but when I heard my name called out, I was so excited and knew this would be a great year!”
As we all have experienced together, 2020 has been a year for history books and things have been different but Dilynn and her family have been so grateful that rodeo has continued. In a world that seems unpredictable and unstable, rodeo has held our world together and allowed us to still have “normal” moments with our rodeo family! Being at rodeos almost every weekend since mid-August even has allowed us to forget how wearing masks, social distancing and canceled events has become the new normal.
When Dilynn was asked what her favorite activities and events so far during her reign have been she said, “It was so exciting getting to carry the American Flag for the very first time at a kid’s rodeo in Pawnee, Oklahoma. I have been able to carry the flag several times since then at multiple Little Britches Rodeos for the grand entry and National Anthem and it is still just as exciting to me as the first time. Another fun event I was asked to attend was the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo at the Lazy E. I carried sponsor flags between each event for 2 nights. It was a great event, and I was thrilled to participate and represent the NLBRA.”
Dilynn is currently gearing up for the National Finals Rodeo in Arlington, Texas. This and the American are 2 events that she has most been looking forward to since earning the title in July. With concerns of Covid still lingering, things will be very different this year but Dilynn is excited to be a part of this historical year of rodeo. There is so much to look forward to and Dilynn is excited and honored to be your 2021 National Little Britches Rodeo Association Jr. Princess! “I truly believe that Little Britches is where Legends Begin.....now let’s RODEO!!