The Intermountain Professional Rodeo Association (ImPRA) is based out of Southeastern Idaho. It was organized in 1970 and has grown to be one of the finest rodeo associations in the west. It is known by many as a pacesetter for other associations. We classify ourselves as a semi-pro organization, which involves both amateur and professional cowboys and cowgirls from all walks of life. Our rodeos cover a vast area in southeastern & southwestern Idaho, most areas of Utah and western Wyoming. Our members come from Idaho, Utah, Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon and Arizona.
Many of our rodeos are held in conjunction with events like county and state fairs, Independence Day and Pioneer Day. Many of the rodeos and others on our schedule have received national recognition and are among the top one hundred events in North America. Our Championship Finals are held in conjunction with the Eastern Idaho State Fair (EISF) held at Blackfoot, Idaho, during the Labor Day holiday.
The membership is proud of our accomplishments and plans to continue to better the image of rodeo. Special thanks to all those who have worked so hard to improve and promote the sport of rodeo!!
Our History ...
Are your wondering how the ImPRA/EIRA was formed? This article is from the 1989 EIRA Finals program. Blanche Angell, then the publicity director, wrote an article in 1975 entitled "The Birth of the EIRA."
"On July 28, 1970, in a trailerhouse in Roberts, Idaho, Jim Kluesner and Gary Miller sat down with an idea, three different rule books, and a strong desire to better the sport of rodeo in Eastern Idaho." Blanche went on to say that the two strategies needed lots of help and support. They got in touch with Curly and herself, Blanche Angell, the Anderson boys, Dayton Miller, Curly Morton, Gaylen Brower, RD Kuttler, and many others. The ball was then rolling. After many dreams, ideas and much enthusiasm, the first card was issued to the late bronc rider, Adrian Sutton.
Today, seventeen years after the first meeting, Gary and Jim's dreams are still alive and growing. The EIRA, one of the nation's largest rodeo associations, is known by other associations as the pacesetter in the sport of rodeo today. The membership is proud of our accomplishments and plans to continue to better the image of rodeo. Special thanks to all those who have worked so hard to improve and promote the sport of rodeo.