By Kingsville Independent News Staff
KINGSVILLE — Organizers of the FDYRP Ride for a Cure: Thanksgiving Playday Rodeo and Roping Benefit for Leeroy Lerma have announced the event will be rescheduled due to a regional outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1).
The FDYRP Crew issued the update after consulting with Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) representative John Garcia. Organizers said the decision came “with a heavy heart” but emphasized that the health of the horses and the safety of the rodeo community must come first.
“With the serious EHV-1 outbreak affecting our region, we refuse to take chances with the health of our horses or our rodeo family,” the announcement stated. “As much as we were looking forward to gathering, riding, and roping together, this is the most responsible step to protect our stock and our rodeo family.”
A new date for the benefit will be announced once it is deemed safe to proceed. Families who pre-registered and paid the Leadline fee are asked to contact the organizer at 361-219-4609.
Although the rodeo portion has been postponed, the FDYRP Ride for a Cure Vendor Market is still scheduled for Nov. 22, 2025, at the JK Northway Outside Arena, 501 E. Escondido, in Kingsville. The vendor market will run alongside a Playday Rodeo beginning at 10 a.m. and team roping events scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
For more information or vendor inquiries, contact Amanda Alegria at flingindirtyyouthrodeo@gmail.com or by text at 361-219-4609.