Methven Rodeo Club has made the difficult decision to cancel rodeo 2024 due to the weather forecast. If you have brought a ticket online we will be in touch about a refund.

Methven Rodeo 2025

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Countdown finished!

Methven Rodeo 2024 - Cancelled due to weather

Time to saddle up and hold on tight! The Methven Rodeo is now one of the largest in New Zealand with crowd attendance in excess of 6000 people annually. A safe and fun family event. Save the date!

Bareback

The rider attempts to stay on the back of his horse using only his balance and a suitcase type handhold, known as a rigging, which is placed on top of the horse's withers then secured with a cinch. The rigging must be of NZRCA approved standards.

Barrel Racing

Barrel Racing is a female only event. The objective of a Barrel Racing run is to ride a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels as quickly as possible. The time starts when the barrel racer crosses electronic timers on her horse. She then heads for the first barrel and makes a sharp turn around it.

Bull Riding

Bull Riding is usually the last event to be held at a rodeo, and is the most dangerous. Just like bareback and saddle Bronc riding the rider can only hold onto the animal with one hand, touching it with his free arm will get him disqualified. The rider holds onto a flat braided rope with one gloved hand, this rope is known as a bull rope, it is wrapped around the bull's chest just behind the bulls front legs.

Saddle Bronc

The event that started rodeo, it originated from the necessary job of breaking in and training horses to be used in ranches, in the days of the Wild West.

Steer Wrestling

Steer Wrestling, or "bulldogging" as it is sometimes known, has the basic objective for the steer wrestler to use his technique and strength to wrestle the steer to the ground, in the fastest time possible. Like with rope & tie and team ropers, the steer wrestler starts the event on the back of his horse in the timed event box.

Team Roping

Team Roping is the only team event in rodeo. There are two ropers, one known as the header and the other is the heeler. Just like rope & tie ropers and steer wrestlers the ropers start the event on the back of their horses in the timed event box.

Order of Events

The 2023 Methven Rodeo will commence at 9.00am - Order of events as follows:

Got a question about the rodeo?

See some common questions and answers for the rodeo below

  • Are we allowed to bring our own food & beverages ?

    You are more than welcome to bring a picnic and non alcoholic drinks in plastic bottles. We do have a great range of food vendors and a licensed bar on site as well.

  • Are we allowed to leave our cars parked overnight?

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  • Can we bring our own alcohol into the Rodeo?

    Strictly no alcohol policy on entry, however we do have a fully licensed bar with some great deals, just be sure to bring your ID.

  • Can we camp onsite?

    The Methven CampGround is located right next to the carpark and offers tent space, parking for campervans, buses & caravans. Contact Methven Campground to book a site.

  • How long does it take to get to Methven?

    It will take you just over an hour to reach Methven/Mt Hutt Village from Christchurch International Airport.

  • How much is entry this year?

    Our prices are as follows:

    Family pass $ 50.00 (2 adults, 3 children)

    Adult $ 20.00

    Child $10 (16 yrs and under)

    Under 5 - Free

  • What constitutes a family pass?

    2 Adults and 3 Children aged 16 years or under.

  • What is there to do in Methven after the Rodeo?

    Methven has a number of great bars & restaurants to have a meal at.