For over 60 years, The Nicola Valley Rodeo Association has been committed to preserving the ranching & rodeo heritage of the Nicola Valley & creating community. The NVRA hosts a wide range of events, including ranch rodeos, youth rodeos, barrel racing, roping & other equestrian events & clinics. We also host a variety of non-equestrian events.
We had a great 2023 season and are looking forward to 2024! Keep scrolling down to see what is planned for this year.
Our season is April to October
The best place for outdoor events in Merritt
High School Rodeo
This is an annual event hosted by our local High School Rodeo Club, under the umbrella of the BC High School Rodeo association. The two day rodeo gives an opportunity for dedicated youth from around the region to compete with each other to earn points for a position in the finals at the end of the season. Come out and be surprised at the high level these kids compete at! Admission is free.
Little Britches Rodeo
Another annual event that gives cowboys and cowgirls of the future a chance to develop their skills in competition against others in their age group. This is a family oriented sport that benefits these young competitors in several ways including the responsibility they learn through caring for their animals, as well as the respect, camaraderie and sportsmanship they gain as competitors. Admission is free.
BC Cutting Horse Show & Clinic
We are excited to have another cutting show in Merritt! This year it will be in the form of an instructional clinic combined with a competitive evening show. Rooted in ranch work, this popular sport showcases the horse's athleticism and ability to handle cattle. The horse and rider work together as a team to demonstrate their ability.
Nicola Valley Kennel Club DOG SHOW
This is an all breed conformation dog show and has been a part of Merritt events for over 40 years. Now grown to 4 days, the show promises to be bigger and better than ever. Held for many years in Voght park, this is the second year we have hosted the club at the rodeo grounds. Spectators are welcome, concession will be open and admission is free!
Canadian Coast Reined Cow Horse Show
It is such an honour to have the Canadian Coast Reined Cow Horse Association choose Merritt as the location for their Under the Sun Show this year! This is a National Reined Cow Horse Association approved event. The goal of the CCRCHA is to promote and preserve the sport of reined cow horse in Western Canada by offering shows, clinics, events and more.
Nicola Valley Ranch Rodeo
This event kicks off rodeo week in Merritt and there was a great turnout in 2023, both for teams and spectators. A ranch rodeo is a traditional type of rodeo in which teams of cowboys (and cowgirls) from different ranches compete against each other in events based on the type of work they do every day. Come on out and cheer for our local ranch teams - admission is free! Concession and beer garden will be open. It's a great way to get your rodeo on and ready for the big one on Labour Day weekend?
BC Little Britches Finals Rodeo
Our local Little Britches club is thrilled to host the BCLBRA finals in Merritt this year! The provinces top competitors will spent the weekend at NV rodeo grounds to vie for the year's highest honours. We expect several of our local kids to be among them! Admission is free.
NVRA Memberships, Roping Nights & Open Riding Info
NVRA is pleased to host open riding at our arena. Click the "more info" link below for times and prices. Sadly we were unable to set up our regular weekly roping in 2023, but are working on scheduling some special fun evenings for 2024. Check back here for updates and join the Facebook group "Merritt Rodeo Grounds Events and Practices" here to stay current.
Get In Touch With Us
Nicola Valley Rodeo Association
Nicola Valley Rodeo Association
Address
499 Lindley Creek Road,Merritt, British Columbia