Nechako Valley Rodeo Association

04/13/2026

Nechako Valley Rodeo 2026 will be CANCELED for this year.

Hopefully we can regroup this fall and try again for next year with mire volunteers and sponsors.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause

03/27/2026

We at the Nechako Valley Rodeo Association are devastated at the news of Hughs passing.

We could not have said this any better than the team at Mulvahill Rodeo.
Hugh was a big part of Mulvahill Rodeo. Between pickup man, judge, father, friend and a huge influence to many in the rodeo world. He was one of those guys that would give you the shirt off his back if it was needed. This loss hits hard for many. Please send some prayers for the family and friends of Hugh. Rest easy Cowboy, your entry fees are paid 🙏 😢 💔

There are roles in rodeo that people see… and then there are the ones that truly hold everything together behind the scenes.

The pick up man is one of those roles.

To the crowd, they’re the ones who ride in after the whistle blows. But to the cowboys, they’re so much more than that. They’re safety. They’re timing. They’re trust. They’re the steady hand in the middle of chaos — reading every move, knowing exactly when to step in, and putting the rider first, every single time.

A great pick up man doesn’t hesitate. He doesn’t look for recognition. He just does what needs to be done — because that’s who he is.

That was Hugh.

Hugh didn’t just show up and do a job — he carried the responsibility of that role with pride, grit, and unwavering reliability. When you nodded your head, you knew he had you. No questions asked.

But what made Hugh truly special… is that he didn’t leave that role in the arena.

He lived it.

He was the guy who showed up when things got tough.
The one who stepped in without being asked.
The one who had your back, no matter what.
Quietly, consistently, without ever needing credit.

He protected the people he cared about the same way he protected his riders — with instinct, strength, and heart.

In a world where a lot of people talk about loyalty, Hugh lived it.

Being a pick up man isn’t just about horsemanship — it’s about character. It’s about courage, awareness, and putting others before yourself.

And Hugh embodied every bit of that. In the arena, and in life.

Hugh will forever be an integral part of Mulvahill Rodeo. His impact, his standards, and the way he showed up for people will continue to shape everything we do. We will carry him with us in every event, every ride, and every moment — and we will do everything we can to honour him the way he deserves.

The kind of man you don’t just come across often…
The kind of man you never forget.

03/04/2026

🤠🐂 WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE RODEO EVENT TO WATCH?! 🐎🔥

Is it the heart-pounding 8 seconds of Bull Riding?
The speed and precision of Barrel Racing?
The horsepower and grit of Saddle Bronc?
Or maybe you love the action of Team Roping and Tie-Down Roping? 👀💥

There’s nothing like the thrill of rodeo — the dust, the adrenaline, and the roar of the crowd when the gate swings open! 🙌

👇 Tell us below!
What event has you on the edge of your seat every time?

03/04/2026

🤠 BULL RIDING 🐂

The ultimate test of courage and control! Bull riders must stay aboard a bucking bull for 8 seconds holding on with one hand only. The other hand is used for balance and cannot touch the bull or themselves. Riders are judged on their control and style, while the bull is scored on power and bucking ability. Hang on tight — it’s man vs. beast! 💥

02/19/2026

PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE of NVRA

PAST
The Nechako Valley Rodeo Association was founded in 2012, with the very first rodeo riding into town in 2013. The spark behind it all came from Brenda Ferguson, whose 12-year-old son, Tyler Lang, declared he wanted to be a steer rider. Brenda made him a promise: if he stayed committed and put in the work, she would bring rodeo back to Vanderhoof so he could compete at his very first hometown event.
True to her word, Tyler made his debut in 2013 at the first annual Nechako Valley Rodeo — a full-circle moment that laid the foundation for what has become a cherished community tradition.

Since that first event, the rodeo has been sanctioned by the British Columbia Rodeo Association, and over the years has also been co-sanctioned with Bull Riders Canada on select occasions, strengthening opportunities for competitors and elevating the calibre of competition.

Over the years, the association has proudly hosted 10 successful rodeos (with the 11th on the horizon!) and provided valuable learning opportunities through roughstock clinics alongside legends like Gary LeFew, Dave Shields Sr., Matt O’Flynn, and Lane Cork. Barrel racers also benefited from an incredible clinic with Laura James.

Supporting youth has always been at the heart of the mandate, helping young athletes chase their dreams down the rodeo trail. Competitors sponsored over the years include Jason Beier, Dustin Shields, Riley Beier, Tyler Lang and more!

The association has also celebrated western heritage and leadership through a rodeo queen contest hosted by Cassie Snell, and proudly welcomed the British Columbia Rodeo Association Finals in 2017 — a milestone event for NVRA.

In 2014, Nechako Valley Rodeo invested in livestock panels to enhance safety for arena officials — panels that have been used at every rodeo since. These panels have also been generously donated for use at several other events over the years, including Bulls Before Midnight. In fact, the association even sponsored the added money for the very first annual Bulls Before Midnight to help get the event off the ground. NVRA proudly stands behind a philosophy of collaboration over competition — supporting fellow associations, uplifting events across the region, and even sponsoring the BCRA during portions of their season in past years. The goal has always been to grow rodeo as a whole, together.

PRESENT
Today, Nechako Valley Rodeo continues to grow as a community-driven event that showcases youth involvement, skill development, and the preservation of rodeo traditions. Each year, volunteers, sponsors, and families come together to create an unforgettable experience for competitors and fans alike.

FUTURE
With the 11th rodeo in the works, the future looks bright.

The upcoming rodeo will continue to be sanctioned by the BCRA and, for the first time, will also be co-sanctioned with Buckin Around BC — opening even more doors for athletes and fans alike.

The vision remains the same: support the next generation of rodeo athletes, expand opportunities for clinics and competition, and keep the spirit of western heritage alive in the Nechako Valley for years to come.

From one young boy’s dream to a thriving annual tradition — this is the legacy, the momentum, and the future of Nechako Valley Rodeo. 🤠🐎

02/18/2026

We’re REARING out the gate excited for the 2026 Nechako Valley Rodeo!! 🤠🔥

Mark your calendars and saddle up:
🐂 June 19 – Bullarama
🏆 June 20 – BCRA Rodeo
🏆 June 21 – BCRA Rodeo

Three days of bucking action, big rides, and rodeo memories you won’t want to miss!

Who’s gonna be there?! 🙌🐎

02/08/2026

💥Hey all💥
🐴The Nechako Valley Rodeo🐴 is interested in your opinions. We are looking at doing a 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧family 💃dance🕺on one of the nights of our rodeo. What are some of your thoughts ? 💭

01/11/2026

For all you steer/bullriders looking to get started or keep things fresh, here is an excellent way to help you out. Highly recommend going to a school or two

Quesnel Rodeo , Matt OFlynn School dates have changed to April 17,18,19 .
More information to follow soon .

11/07/2025

WE NEED BOARD MEMBERS!
If you love Rodeo and want to be a part of the NVRA Rodeo in 2026, please come to this meeting.

NOVEMBER 12, 2025 - 7:00PM
2501 CHURCH AVE, VANDERHOOF, BC (SOUTH ENTRANCE)

A new executive will be elected at this meeting and if we have enough people willing to donate their time, we will move forward with a plan for the spring Rodeo.

09/02/2025

AGM
SEPT 3, 2025 - 7:00 PM
2501 CHURCH AVE