At that time, the organization finally became known under its current name, Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA).

[5] Two of its founding members, Isabella Hamilton (later Miller) and Viola Thomas met with the Cowboys Protective Association and were successful in convincing the board to allow women to compete from 1958,[5][6] but because of biases by management were given race times with the children and received low pay.

Frances Church, 1972 Canadian barrel racing champion, noted that in the United States men and women had equal purses for like events, but Stampede manager Winston Bruce's response was that barrel racing was neither a rodeo event nor one that crowds wanted to see.

[3] In 1988, women were voted out of membership in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and the following year, barrel racing was again suspended at the Stampede.

This means that the annual Guy Weadick Days Rodeo in June was now with the CPRA through the Foothills Cowboy Association instead.

[16] On January 16, 2018, it was announced that the Canadian Finals Rodeo would move to Red Deer, Alberta, beginning in 2018, under a 10-year contract.

Finning happens to be the largest dealer for Caterpillar Inc.[19] On June 12, 2018, the CPRA announced an ongoing yearly partnership with FloSports.

Before the season was to be set into full swing in the spring, the regional COVID-19 epidemic became a global pandemic in March.

In 2018, the 45th Annual Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) was held at the ENMAX Centrium, Westerner Park, in Red Deer, Alberta.

The ability to secure this arena demonstrated that the rodeo still had a strong fan base and high growth rate.

[25] Previously, the finals were held at the Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton, Alberta, for its entire 44-year history.

[26] After announcing a new venue for the year 2018, the Canadian Finals Rodeo took place in Red Deer, Alberta, on October 30 through November 4.

Throughout Canada, it is considered the top national championship of professional rodeo, and since 2018, it is held annually in Red Deer, Alberta.

The CFR's top award amount is one of the largest in Canadian rodeo, totaling $1.65 million.

"We're excited about broadening our reach through our new partnership with FloSports," said Canadian Professional Rodeo Association General Manager Jeff Robson.

Over six days, FloRodeo will capture some of rodeo's top athletes competing through six rounds to determine each of the seven event winners, a high-point, and an all-around champion.