International Texas Longhorn Association Announces 2025 Championship Event in Glen Rose
The International Texas Longhorn Association's 2025 championship event marks 35 years of preserving the breed while showcasing its future through competitions, sales, and educational programming that brings global attention to Texas heritage.
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 celebrates 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. The association has grown from a small member-driven registry founded in 1990 into an international organization with thousands of members worldwide.
The convention and show highlight 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, featuring Non-Haltered, Futurity, Haltered, and Youth Shows with hundreds of entries from across the nation. The event includes the Call of the Horns Measuring Contest & Bull Bonanza spotlighting legendary Longhorns, an Elite Heifer Sale offering premier genetics to buyers, and a Longhorn Legacy Live Auction featuring premier items, travel packages, and Western Trappings with Canadian auctioneer Gordon Musgrove.
Educational seminars and vendor exhibits provide valuable insights and resources for breeders and cattle enthusiasts. The 2025 event blends tradition with Texas-style entertainment, including an Asleep at the Wheel – Riding High Tour concert at the Texas Amphitheater on October 10 and a Cowboy Poetry Contest. Tex Toler, Director of the Glen Rose Convention & Visitor Bureau, emphasized the significance of hosting this event, stating that Glen Rose offers a backdrop that intertwines history, community, and character with its rich heritage from prehistoric dinosaur tracks to pioneer stories.
The International Championship Show & Convention represents more than just a cattle show—it serves as a vital platform for preserving Texas cultural heritage while advancing the breed's future through genetic improvement and educational outreach. The event's international participation demonstrates the growing global appeal of Texas Longhorns and their economic importance to the cattle industry. By bringing together breeders from multiple countries, the association fosters genetic diversity and promotes best practices in Longhorn breeding and management.
For the local Glen Rose community and Texas tourism industry, the event generates significant economic impact while showcasing the region's unique cultural assets. The combination of competitive shows, educational programming, and entertainment creates a comprehensive experience that appeals to both industry professionals and the general public, ensuring the continued relevance and preservation of this iconic Texas symbol for future generations.