The cowboys and cowgirls step onto the red carpet

Each year, the coveted National Finals Rodeo jerseys honor the culmination of many years of work. Most of these rodeo athletes have spent much of their lives working toward this success, traveling all year long to secure their final destination in Las Vegas. The miles from coast to coast and border to border pay off when they get the chance to compete in the NFR.

While rodeo on screen looks rather glamorous and flashy to most viewers, behind the scenes… that’s not the case. From personal experience and from conversations with many of the best in the world, I know that the reality is all-night rides, long days, lots of good runs, some bad runs, some great runs, and real blood, sweat, and tears. These cowboys and cowgirls have no downtime or off-season. Each year one rodeo season ends on September 30th, but the next one begins on October 1st each year.

In this one evening at the Back Number Ceremony, the top fifteen cowboys and cowgirls from each event can dust themselves off and hit the red carpet in full glamour. Every year the outfits are even more stunning than last year and this year was no exception. From full Vegas-worthy glitz and glamor to understated elegance, everyone has a unique opportunity to show off in a way not seen most of the year.

As the rodeo begins Thursday night, the emphasis has shifted from formal wear to boots and cowboy hats. We wish everyone in Las Vegas this week the best of luck and can’t wait for another exciting NFR.

Sarah Rose and her husband, NFR steer wrestler Tyler Waguespack, looked exceptional in purple on the red carpet.

Another steer wrestler, Stetson Jorgenson, and his wife Kellie gave their best at the ceremony.

Mooring man Shane Hanchey hit the red carpet with his adorable wife Taylor and their son Stran.

Tying up peeping Tom Tuf Cooper with wife Tiffany and daughter Tru.

Saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston, his beautiful wife Jayne and their family looked gorgeous at the ceremony.

The Runaways may not be part of the main event at Thomas and Mack just yet, but they certainly made a good impression at their own numbering ceremony earlier this week. These ladies were absolutely stunning and put on a fantastic show in the fight for the World Championship.