Mulavhill Rodeo hosts West Moberly West Bound Bulls event in Chetwynd this Saturday

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —  Indigenous-owned Mulavhill Rodeo Stock will host a new indoor rodeo event this weekend.

Sponsored by West Moberly First Nations, the “West Moberly West Bound Bulls” will showcase several events, including bull riding, steer riding, wild pony racing, and stick horse riding for children.

According to Mulavhill Rodeo Stock co-owner Sammi Morrill, up to $9,000 in total prize money and door prizes will be awarded.

She says the idea of an indoor rodeo was rooted in the motivation for residents to come to watch a live rodeo during the snowy months.

Morrill owns the stock company with fiance Wacey Mulvahill, a member of Tsi Del Del First Nations located west of Williams Lake.

Bringing livestock to events throughout B.C., Mulavhill has provided animals for Peace Region events, including the Doig River Rodeo, Halfway River Rodeo, and the Hudson’s Hope Rodeo.

“Generally, rodeo in B.C. only goes during the spring and summer into the fall,” said Morrill. “We’d like to bring kids back into the sport of rodeo.”

“There aren’t a lot of indoor events in the region. Our stock contracting business takes stock to rodeos.  But we wanted to do some [events] of our own and focus on the rough stock rather than the whole rodeo.”

Morrill says that 31 bull riders, 14 steer riders, and wild horse racing teams are scheduled to enter. Included are Fort St. John bull riders Colin Gaskin and Ryker Taylor.

Indigenous competitors include Storm Noskye and Zachary King of Blueberry River First Nation, as well as Austin Joachim, Brady Jack, and Justin and Quinton Field of Halfway River First Nation.

Morrill added that following the day-long event, a dance will follow in the evening starting at 9 p.m.

The “West Moberly West Bound Bulls” event occurs on Saturday, November 23rd, at Pine Valley Exhibition Park, located at 3900 51st Avenue in the District of Chetwynd.

Tickets for adults start at $20, with tickets for seniors and youth aged 6 to 14 for $15.  Children under five are free.  Dance tickets are $25 and must be bought in advance.

For more information, visit Mulvahill Rodeo Stock’s Facebook page.