Erin Valley Rodeo Academy

Are you ready?

2026 Erin Valley Rodeo Academy NOW posted!

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2026

Erin Valley Rodeo Academy

Two Season-Long Training Programs Built on Horsemanship, Commitment, and Opportunity

The Erin Valley Rodeo Academy offers two separate, season-long programs for riders who want consistent coaching, strong horsemanship foundations, and real rodeo experience.

These programs are not drop-in lessons. They are structured, progressive, and designed for riders and families who value commitment, growth, and quality instruction in a supportive environment.

Program Overview

Riders may enroll in one or both of the following programs, depending on age, experience, and level of commitment:

Rodeo Academy – a foundational season-long program open to all ages and experience levels
Elite Team – a dedicated training program for passionate riders who want increased opportunity, responsibility, and competition exposure

Both programs run over a six-month season and operate with limited enrollment to ensure safety, individualized coaching, and proper horse care.

Scheduled Time Off

The six-month season for both programs includes three scheduled weeks off due to five-week months within the program.

Tentative break dates:

June 8–12
July 13–17
August 3–7

Why Enrollment Is Limited

To maintain a high standard of coaching, ensure rider safety, and properly care for our horses, enrollment for both programs is strictly limited.

Smaller group sizes allow for:

Individualized coaching
Safer riding environments
Better horse management
Stronger rider development

Once capacity is reached, registration will close for the season.

Rodeo Academy

A Foundation in Horsemanship, Rodeo & Fair Competition.

The Rodeo Academy is designed for riders who want to learn correct horsemanship, build confidence, and experience rodeo in a structured and encouraging environment.

No riding experience is required. Beginners are welcome.
Riders of all ages 5 and up, including adults, train and compete together in a supportive setting. We are over the moon to have our head coach Sydney Deley back this season for our Rodeo Academy program. She is beyond exceptional and has been with us for 10 years.

What the Rodeo Academy Includes

Weekly group lessons throughout the six-month season
Horsemanship training under saddle and on the ground
Liberty work and natural horsemanship
Barrel racing, pole bending, and introductory roping
Horse care, grooming, and correct saddling
Bareback riding and confidence-building exercises
A minimum of one guided trail ride
Fun-based games lessons that build confidence and teamwork
Entry to scheduled Rodeo Academy rodeos and a season-end finals rodeo

Riders are coached with a focus on safety, skill development, responsibility, and enjoyment.

Rodeo Academy Rodeos – How They Work

Rodeo Academy rodeos are designed to be educational, inclusive, and confidence-building.

Rodeo dates will be announced as soon as they are finalized
Rodeos are hosted Friday & Saturday.
Each rider will compete on one assigned day
Events at each rodeo include:
- Barrel Racing
- Pole Bending
- Horsemanship Event

There are prizes awarded for each division and event, as well as year-end prizes and buckles at the season finals.

Division-Based Format (D System)

All riders compete together in the same events. To ensure fair competition across different riding speeds and experience levels, results are separated into D divisions.

This system allows both faster and slower-paced riders to have a real opportunity to place and earn prizes, while still competing in the same rodeo environment.

The Rodeo Academy uses a division format similar to BCBRA, with larger time splits between divisions to better support developing riders.

What the D’s Mean

1D – Fastest times of the event
2D – Riders within a set time split of the fastest run
3D – Riders within the next time split

Divisions are based on performance and time, not age.

Parent-Friendly Example

If the fastest barrel racing time at a rodeo is 15.00 seconds:

1D would include times from 15.00 – 16.00 seconds
2D would include times from 16.01 – 18.00 seconds
3D would include times from 18.01 – 20.00 seconds

This format allows riders on different horses and at different stages of development to compete fairly and still experience success.

Final division splits will be confirmed after we assess each rider’s capabilities, ensuring appropriate and balanced competition.

Why This Format Works

Riders of all ages compete together in a positive environment
Slower or developing horses can still place and earn prizes
Faster riders are still challenged and rewarded
Every rider has the opportunity to grow, improve, and succeed

This approach keeps rodeos inclusive, encouraging, and competitive without being intimidating.

Rodeo Academy Sponsorship Program

At Erin Valley Rodeo Academy, we believe that financial circumstances should not prevent a passionate rider from pursuing horsemanship and rodeo.

Each season, we offer a limited number of sponsored placements for students who demonstrate commitment, positive attitude, and a genuine desire to learn—but who are not able to commit financially at this time.

Sponsorship allows selected riders to participate in the Rodeo Academy program at no cost, based on availability and alignment with the values of our program.

How the Sponsorship Program Works

Sponsored placements are made possible through:
- Support from local businesses and community sponsors
- A limited number of internally sponsored riders supported by Erin Valley Riding Stables
The number of sponsorships available varies each season depending on sponsorship support
Sponsorships are not guaranteed and are awarded intentionally

This program is designed for riders who are willing to show up consistently, work hard, and represent the Academy with respect—both in and out of the arena.

Apply for Sponsorship

If you or your rider are passionate about horses and rodeo but financial commitment is a barrier, we invite you to apply for sponsorship consideration.

Apply for Rodeo Academy Sponsorship

Rodeo Academy Investment

$475 per month + GST
(Six-month seasonal commitment required)

Elite Rodeo Team

A Dedicated Training Track for Passionate Riders

The Elite Team is a separate season-long program for riders who want more coaching time, more responsibility, and a higher level of involvement within the academy.

Acceptance is not skill-based. Riders are selected based on passion, dedication, coachability, and commitment.

Some riding experience is required.

Coaching Leadership

The Elite Team is coached by Kelcie Mills, Head Rodeo Coach at Erin Valley Rodeo Academy.

Who This Program Is For

Riders ages 7 and up
Riders with basic riding experience
Riders who are motivated, consistent, and eager to grow
Riders seeking additional structure and accountability

Elite Team riders actively compete throughout the season, including participation in the BC Barrel Racing Finals and six qualifying barrel races in the Kamloops local area.

Elite Team Competition & Horse Access

Elite riders develop into talented, confident jockeys as they learn to ride and compete on multiple styles of barrel horses, gaining the ability to adapt to different setups, strengths, and competition environments.

A defining feature of the Elite Team is access to an elite string of high-dollar, finished rodeo horses. Each horse is carefully selected by Kelcie Mills to ensure suitability, safety, and competitive performance. This level of access is a rare opportunity, particularly for developing riders.

Students learn not only how to confidently ride a finished barrel horse, but also the training steps, maintenance routines, and horsemanship required to develop and sustain a high-performing rodeo horse.

The Elite Team gives riders the opportunity to not only compete—but to place, win, and grow on an exceptional caliber of horse.

Elite Team Tuition Investment

$685 per month + GST
(Six-month seasonal commitment)

Elite Team enrollment is intentionally limited to preserve coaching quality, horse welfare, and competitive opportunity.

What’s Included in Monthly Tuition

Twice-weekly lessons
Advanced coaching and competition preparation
Structured training focused on horsemanship, riding precision, and performance readiness
Access to elite, finished barrel horses selected specifically for competition use

Mandatory Additional Fees

The following fees are required for Elite Team participation and are billed separately:

Hauling and coaching at 6 off-site barrel races
– $200 per race
Barrel Racing Finals Pick One (4-day events)
– BCBRA Finals (Kamloops): $700
– CBR Finals (100 Mile): $850

Optional Additional Events & Fees

Rodeo Academy rodeos and finals ($200 per rodeo)
Additional barrel races and special events
Attendance at both Barrel Racing Finals instead of one

What’s Not Included

BCBRA or CBR membership fees
Entry fees for off-site races

Here are just a few of the things we feel the students gain from this opportunity...

Confidence- they learn how to not only become confident in themselves but how to build confidence in their horse
Work Ethic- as much as we love this lifestyle it requires hard work to just keep these animals alive & healthy.. let alone ride them
Lifelong Friends- our students grow, learn and achieve their goals alongside people with the same interests!
Fresh Air- in today's world we are surrounded by screens day in and day out. This gives our students, youth or adults, the chance to get outside and enjoy nature.
Communication Skills- learning to communicate with an animal correctly directly relates to our everyday life. Our program helps to create clear, consistent communication skills
Sportsmanship- this is a non-negotiable rule on our ranch for the past 50 years of teaching people about horses. We are about supporting each other. It's never about what you win, it's who you become in the process.

How Registration Works

Review program details to ensure the right fit
Complete registration and send deposit to secure your spot. Elite Team Deposit $300, Rodeo Academy $200. Remainder of first month is due March 1st.
Submit required forms and waivers prior to the first lesson
Monthly payments continue for the duration of the season. All payments are due via e-transfer on the 1st of every month. Late payments will be subject to a $50 late fee. Students will not participate in lessons without payment, missed lessons due to late payment will not be made up.

Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and are not held without payment.

Policies & Expectations

To ensure rider safety, horse welfare, and a positive learning environment, Erin Valley Rodeo Academy operates under clear program policies.

Season-long commitment required
Limited enrollment / no refunds for missed lessons
Coach-cancelled lessons are made up in September
Weather cancellations prioritized for safety
Higher expectations apply for Elite Team riders

👉 View Full Policies (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do riders need previous experience to join?

No experience is required for the Rodeo Academy. Beginners are welcome.
The Elite Team requires some riding experience but is not skill- or speed-based for acceptance.

Do riders need their own horse?

No. Horses are provided for both programs. However if you have your own horse you are welcome to use it! Bringing your own horse changes pricing for Elite Team offsite barrel races and finals only.

Is Elite Team only for advanced riders?

No. Elite Team riders are selected based on passion, dedication, coachability, and commitment, not skill level.

Do Elite Team riders compete?

Yes. Elite Team riders compete throughout the season, including:

Six qualifying barrel races
BC Barrel Racing Finals or CBR Finals

Why are spots limited?

Enrollment is capped to ensure safety, quality instruction, horse welfare, and meaningful progress for every rider.

How does payment work?

Both programs operate on monthly tuition for the duration of the six-month season.
Spots are secured once registration and deposits are received.

What if we’re unsure which program is the best fit?

You’re welcome to reach out. We’re happy to help guide you to the program that best suits your rider.

What is the difference between Academy and the Elite Team?

The Erin Valley Rodeo Academy is built for riders who want to learn, grow, and gain real rodeo experience through consistent training and strong horsemanship.

Elite Team spots are not skill- or speed-based, but based on passion and dedication.
Spots are limited and fill quickly each season.