International Texas Longhorn Association Announces 2025 Championship Show in Glen Rose

The International Texas Longhorn Association (ITLA) will host its 2025 International Championship Show & Convention from October 7-12, 2025 at The Expo in Glen Rose, Texas. This milestone event marks 35 years of excellence in preserving and promoting the Texas Longhorn breed, bringing together breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts from across the United States and abroad.

Founded in 1990, ITLA has evolved from a small member-driven registry into an international organization with thousands of members worldwide. This year's convention not only celebrates the association's legacy but also showcases the future of the Texas Longhorn breed through world-class competitions, youth activities, and educational programming. All events at The Expo are free and open to the public, making this an accessible opportunity for anyone interested in Texas Longhorn culture.

The championship features multiple competitive categories including Non-Haltered, Futurity, Haltered, and Youth Shows with hundreds of entries expected from across the nation. Special events include the Call of the Horns Measuring Contest & Bull Bonanza, which spotlights legendary Longhorns, and the Elite Heifer Sale offering premier genetics to serious buyers. The Longhorn Legacy Live Auction on Thursday will feature premier items, travel packages, and Western trappings with Canadian auctioneer Gordon Musgrove presiding.

Educational components include seminars and vendor exhibits that provide valuable insights and resources for breeders and cattle enthusiasts. The event blends tradition with entertainment, featuring an Asleep at the Wheel – Riding High Tour concert at the Texas Amphitheater on October 10, with tickets priced at $38.85 on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional entertainment includes a Cowboy Poetry Contest celebrating Western culture.

Tex Toler, Director of the Glen Rose Convention & Visitor Bureau, emphasized the significance of hosting this international event, stating that Glen Rose offers a backdrop that intertwines history, community, and character. The town's rich heritage—from prehistoric dinosaur tracks to pioneer stories in the County Museum—provides an ideal setting for celebrating the iconic symbol of Texas and its cultural impact.

This championship represents more than just a cattle show—it serves as a vital platform for preserving genetic diversity, promoting sustainable breeding practices, and educating the public about the historical significance of Texas Longhorns. The international participation underscores the breed's global appeal and the economic impact such events bring to host communities. For breeders, the competition and sales opportunities provide crucial networking and business development platforms that support the continued growth and preservation of the Texas Longhorn breed worldwide.