Equestrian
Southeastern Pro Rodeo 2025
Get ready for an evening of thrilling competition and impressive feats at this popular Ocala rodeo.
Witness exhilarating contests and unmatched athleticism at the Southeastern Pro Rodeo! This annual event brings top-tier athletes to Ocala/Marion County for an electrifying, family-friendly experience. Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), this is a must-see event for rodeo fans and newcomers alike.
Event Details
When & Where
- Dates: March 14 and 15, 2025
- Location: Southeastern Livestock Pavilion (2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL)
- Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
- Performances Begin: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets
- General Admission: $25
- Children 5 and Under: FREE
- Friday Special: Children (6-11) tickets are $15.
Tickets can be purchased online or in person (cash only) at authorized ticket outlets. Ticket outlets include: Boot Barn, Russell's Western Wear & Cowboy Boots, Tack Shack of Ocala, Ocala Breeders Feed & Supply Airport Road Store and Hwy 27 Store.
Accessibility
All attendees will enjoy free parking during the rodeo, including designated handicap parking. A wheelchair-accessible seating area is available in the East Grandstands.
Rodeo Schedule
The Southeastern Pro Rodeo showcases eight major events each night, combining strength, speed, and precision in both roughstock and timed competitions. Roughstock events are judged on both the rider’s and the animal’s performance, and the rider’s ability to stay on the animal for at least eight seconds. Timed events challenge cowboys and cowgirls to achieve the fastest times in their respective disciplines.
- WPRA Barrel Racing – Speed and precision define this event as riders guide their horses through a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels, aiming for the fastest time without knocking any over.
- Saddle Bronc Riding – Considered a classic rodeo event, cowboys ride bucking horses while seated in a saddle, using one hand to hold on as they try to stay aboard for eight seconds.
- Team Roping – Two riders work together to rope a steer—one aiming for the horns and the other for the hind legs—demonstrating teamwork and expert roping skills.
- Bull Riding – Often called “the most dangerous 8 seconds in sports,” this event challenges riders to stay mounted on a powerful, twisting bull using only one hand for a minimum of 8 seconds.
- Bareback Bronc Riding – Riders hold onto a rigging strap instead of using a saddle, testing their strength and balance as they attempt to stay on a bucking horse.
- Steer Wrestling – Also known as bulldogging, this event requires a cowboy to leap from his horse onto a steer, bringing it to the ground as quickly as possible.
- WPRA Breakaway Roping – A fast-paced roping event where riders lasso a calf and stop their horse. As the calf continues to run, the rope breaks away and marks the completion of the event.
- Tie Down Roping – Cowboys rope a calf, dismount, and quickly tie three of its legs together. The clock stops when they raise their hands, but the calf must stay tied for six seconds to count.
More Rodeo Experiences
- Live Entertainment – Watch as trick riding duo Rider & Bethany Kiesner perform daring stunts, like standing upright on the back or hanging off the side of galloping horses. This show of skill will have you on the edge of your seat!
- Concessions – If all the excitement has you working up an appetite, visit the concession stand to refuel with delicious eats while supporting a great cause. Choose from crowd favorites like a Brick City Southern Kitchen® BBQ Pork Sandwich or a Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich–proceeds from concessions benefit Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.
- Find Oak-ala – Snap a photo with Oak-ala, one of the horse statues on the Horse Fever®- Painted Statue Trail, located at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion.
Plan Your Visit
Turn your rodeo weekend into a full Ocala/Marion County getaway. Book the perfect hotel, tour legendary horse farms, and discover why our region is known as the Horse Capital of the World®. With top-rated restaurants and countless things to do, you’ll enjoy every moment of your visit.
