My daughter, Layla, started riding rough stock at just 10 years old. Now at 13, she has already won 13 championship buckles, was crowned Peewee World Champion in her first year, placed 3rd at the World Junior Finals in her second year, 2nd the following year, and has consistently ranked among the top three contenders. She has proven herself as one of the strongest young competitors in the sport.

But despite her accomplishments, Layla,  and every other girl who shares this passion,  is banned from competing in rough stock events at the Youth Canadian Rodeo Finals in Edmonton, the National Junior World Finals in Las Vegas, and in all high school rodeos that follow NHSRA rules.

This is because the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) has a rule that prevents girls from competing in rough stock events like saddle bronc, bareback, Steers, and bull riding. Since the NHSRA sets the official rulebook, this restriction filters down across the U.S. and Canada.

 We call on the NHSRA to change its rules and allow girls to compete in rough stock events, just as boys do. At the professional level ,  including the PRCA and CPRA , there are no restrictions on women riding rough stock. In fact, Canadian rider Kayla Mussell has proven this by competing in saddle bronc against men in the PRCA. If women can compete at the professional level, then young riders like Layla deserve that same opportunity in youth and high school rodeo.

Rodeo is about courage, skill, and determination — not gender. Please sign this petition to give Layla, and every girl like her, the chance to ride.