Club Testimonial's 2025

🐎 Mid Northern Rodeo Club: Where Grit Meets Community

At the heart of New Zealand’s rodeo scene lies a club that’s more than just a place to train -it’s a place to belong. The Mid Northern Rodeo Club has become a launchpad for aspiring riders, ropers, and dreamers from all walks of life. Whether you're stepping into the arena for the first time or chasing championship goals, this club offers the mentorship, camaraderie, and opportunities to grow.

Here’s what some of our members had to say about their journey with Mid Northern:

🤠 Ernest Huata: “They Took Me In and Taught Me”

“When I first started rodeo there was an amazing club called mid northern I was unsure if I would be able to partake in the events that they had to offer but they really took me in and started teaching me how to rope n bull ride and now I am were I am cos of them so thankful so blessed just an amazing club best in New Zealand”

Ernest’s story is one of transformation through trust and mentorship. From uncertainty to achievement, Mid Northern provided the foundation for his rodeo journey.

🐴 Brodie Cochrane: “From Watching to Riding—They Made My Dream Real”

“I grew up as a small farm girl with no close family connections to rodeo and no background with horses. But for as long as I can remember I had a number of friends and a bunch of sporting idols who I looked up to that were involved in the sport we call rodeo.

I had an extreme passion for the hunger, grit and determination each individual would put into there events and the many different skills it took to compete. For years, it was just a dream, and something I would watch on tv but that all changed when I began to watch friends in real life at rodeos and the odd invite to practices.

When I was introduced to the Mid Northern Rodeo Club, I didn’t know what to expect. But what I found was that Mid Northern wasnt only a club it was a community, some may even say a family. From day one, I was welcomed with encouragement and support, the individuals in the club all had a passion, not only for rodeo itself but for the animals as well. I started off by watching from the shoots and throwing ropes at a dummy in the arena. But In very little time the encouragement and confidence provided to get me up into a saddle was unmatched.

In less than four months, I went from being a complete beginner to confidently riding and getting the hang of learning to rope a steer. The 4 month time period from ground to horse wasnt just about practicing it was in fact the people around me. My close friends and the people at Mid Northern rodeo club who took the time to share there experiences, offer feedback/ solutions and encourage me every step of the way. Which gave me the confidence to try.

The Mid Northern Rodeo Club is filled with people of all ages and all skill levels, who are always willing to cheer others on and help others grow. The opportunities they provide with trainings, jackpot weekends, or competition days , allow everyone to give it a go without judgment. For me, the Mid Northern Rodeo Club has helped me change a dream to reality and helped me to start chasing a bigger dream. It’s a safe place to learn, an amazing helpful, fun and supportive environment anyone would be lucky to be apart of..”

Brodie’s journey shows how passion, paired with the right support, can turn a dream into a lifestyle. Her story is a testament to the club’s inclusive spirit and empowering culture.