The Proprietor Review

The 65th Annual Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo will be held on Labour Day weekend, which falls on August 29-31, 2025. The event takes place at the Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds in Merritt, British Columbia.
Here are some of the key details for this year’s rodeo:
Dates & Schedule
* **Friday, August 29th: The weekend kicks off with the Rodeo Parade at 6:30 PM, followed by a free music evening at the Rodeo Grounds at 8:00 PM.
* **Saturday, August 30th: Gates open at 8:30 AM. The day’s events include live music, the Rodeo Market with local vendors, a Kid Zone, and the main rodeo performance starting at 1:00 PM. In the evening, there will be a Rodeo Dance featuring the band Coquihalla Coyotes.
* **Sunday, August 31st: The rodeo continues with another full day of events.
Events and Attractions
The Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo is a professional-level event that is part of the Maple Leaf Circuit, featuring top cowboys and cowgirls from across North America. Events typically include:
* Bull Riding: A high-action event with a special bull riding memorial in honor of Ty Pozzobon.
* Bronc Riding: Both saddle bronc and bareback bronc competitions are featured.
* Steer Wrestling: A timed event showcasing the strength and skill of the contestants.
* Tie-Down Roping: A precision event where a cowboy on horseback ropes and ties a calf.
* Barrel Racing: A fast-paced, timed event for cowgirls.
* Team Roping: Two riders work together to rope a steer.
* Trick and Roman Riding: New for 2025, the rodeo will welcome back trick riders Noémy Coeurjoly and Keely Sutherland.
* Kids’ Zone: A dedicated area for children with activities like face painting, games, and balloon animals.
* Rodeo Market: A space for visitors to browse and shop from local vendors.
The event is a celebration of the Nicola Valley’s ranching and rodeo heritage and a popular attraction for the Labour Day weekend.

Pro Rodeo North America

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In the world of professional rodeo, two of the most significant organizations are the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in the United States and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) in Canada. While they operate as separate entities, they have a strong working relationship that allows for a unified North American rodeo circuit.
How They Interact
The PRCA and CPRA have a crucial co-approval system. This means that many rodeos sanctioned by the CPRA are also co-approved by the PRCA for world championship points. This arrangement is a win-win for rodeo athletes, as it allows them to compete in rodeos in both countries and have their earnings count towards their standings in both associations.
* World Championship Points: A key aspect of their cooperation is the declaration of World Champions. These champions are determined based on the total combined earnings from both CPRA and PRCA sanctioned events. This provides a clear pathway for a Canadian cowboy to become a PRCA World Champion and for an American cowboy to compete for the Canadian title.
* Membership: The PRCA is the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world, with events in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The CPRA, headquartered in Airdrie, Alberta, sanctions over 60 events a year in Canada. Many top-tier rodeo athletes hold memberships in both associations to maximize their competitive opportunities and earning potential.
Prizes and Salaries
Comparing prizes and salaries between the two associations can be complex, as earnings depend heavily on individual performance, the number of rodeos a cowboy enters, and the prize money at those specific events.
* Prize Money: Rodeo prize money is often referred to as a “purse,” which is a pooled amount of money from participants’ entry fees and sponsors. The total prize money for a rodeo can range from a few hundred dollars at local events to millions at major rodeos and finals.
* Economic Impact: The CPRA’s events have a significant economic impact on the towns and cities that host them. For instance, the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) generates tens of millions of dollars for the local community, and with a prize purse of over $1.5 million, it is one of the largest in Canadian rodeo.
* Cowboy Salaries: Unlike team sports, professional rodeo athletes do not have a set salary. Their income is directly tied to their winnings and sponsorships. A cowboy’s earnings can fluctuate wildly from year to year. While a few elite athletes can make a comfortable living from their winnings and endorsements, many professional rodeo athletes have other careers, often in ranching or farming, and view rodeo as a passion or a part-time job.
* The Finals: The biggest paydays in rodeo come from the respective final events: the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR). The WNFR, held in Las Vegas, is widely considered the pinnacle of the sport and offers a massive prize pool, making it the most lucrative event for competitors. Winning a world championship at the WNFR is the ultimate goal for many professional cowboys.
In summary, the PRCA and CPRA work together to create a cohesive professional rodeo circuit across North America. While the prize money at the biggest events in the U.S. generally outstrips those in Canada, the co-approved system allows athletes to earn a living by competing on both sides of the border and vying for world championship titles. For most cowboys, rodeo earnings are not a guaranteed salary but are instead a reflection of their skill, dedication, and ability to win at events throughout the season.