Open Riding

Passholder Terms & Conditions:

1. The cost of the passes for open riding are as follows: Drop-in pass is $20 per night; monthly pass is $80 & monthly family pass is $200. The full amount is payable upon registration. Family rates, where available, include 1 or 2 adults & up to 4 legal dependents ages 18 & under, residing in the same household.
2. Anyone using the arena must have a Horse Council BC Membership & current proof of it must be provided at the time you pay for your pass. There are no exceptions to this rule.
3. A liability waiver must be completed & signed at the time of pass purchase. (One per rider per season is sufficient.) Waivers are required to be renewed annually. This waiver releases the Nicola Valley Rodeo Association from all liability for use of the Nicola Valley Rodeo Association facilities & property. Arena use is at the risk of the passholder. (Waivers are located below.)
4. Open riding passes do not provide entry to any scheduled event or clinic held at the rodeo grounds. Open riding passes do not provide access to roping practice. Open roping passes do not provide access to open riding.
5. Open riding passes allow access to use the arena during flexible hours whenever no pre-scheduled or regular activity is taking place. Regular activity includes watering & grooming of the arena surface, which will, as much as possible, take place on a schedule. However, some variation in timing & arena condition will be unavoidable. Nicola Valley Rodeo Association is a non-profit organization. We rely on the generosity of our members & volunteers to maintain the rodeo grounds.
6. Drop-in OPEN riding passes are available through the website only. Advanced registration must be submitted 24 hours prior to confirm availability & to arrange access to the facilities.
7. Children 16 & under must be accompanied & supervised by an adult at all times. There are no exceptions to this rule. Children under 16 found to be using the facilities without an adult present will be asked to leave the grounds immediately & are subject to having their privileges & access to the facilities unilaterally withdrawn by the Nicola Valley Rodeo Association. No refund will be given.
8. Passholders, including drop-in, are responsible for removing their garbage & recycling after each use of the arena. Respecting this rule ensures the grounds are kept clean for other pass-holders.
9. Passholders, including drop-in, using the barrels & poles (and any other equipment) are responsible for putting them away after each use. Respecting this rule ensures the arena is left ready for other passholders.
10. Passholders must treat all animals with respect. There is zero tolerance for mistreatment or disrespectful behaviour toward any animals. Anyone violating this code of conduct will be asked to leave the grounds immediately & is subject to having their privileges & access to the facilities unilaterally withdrawn by the Nicola Valley Rodeo Association. No refund will be given.
11. Riders must treat fellow riders & visitors with respect. There is zero tolerance for mistreatment or disrespectful behaviour toward fellow riders or visitors. Anyone violating this code of conduct will be asked to leave the grounds immediately & is subject to having their privileges & access to the facilities unilaterally withdrawn by the Nicola Valley Rodeo Association. No refund will be given.

NOTE: Schedule & prices are subject to change without notice. Specific dates may be cancelled due to other grounds activities. Please check the website calendar here or join the Merritt Rodeo Grounds Events & Practices Facebook group here.