In the world of professional rodeo, few names carry the weight, respect, and enduring influence of Harry Vold, widely known as “The Duke of Chutes” who I am proud to call my great grandfather or “Patron.”
Born on January 29, 1924, in Edmonton, Alberta Canada, Vold grew up on his family’s ranch east of Ponoka in the Asker district, a place of hard work, horses, and the values that would shape his legendary career. Raised during the difficult years of the Great Depression, he learned early on in his life how to break, trade, and sell horses to help support his family. These humble beginnings became the foundation of a life defined by grit, innovation, and a deep understanding of livestock. Even as a teenager, Vold was determined to make his own path. At around age 15, he taught himself how to be an auctioneer, a skill that quickly became both a passion and a profession. He later worked as an auctioneer at the Edmonton Stock Yards and the Calgary Stock Yards, earning his reputation for his sharp eye, strong voice, and fair dealings, traits that would become the trademarks of his character for decades to come.
In 1968, after years of working, ranching, and learning every inch of the rodeo industry, Vold purchased a large ranch southeast of Pueblo, Colorado. This ranch would become the headquarters of the Harry Vold Rodeo Company, one of the most respected and iconic stock contracting companies in the history of the sport.
Vold’s approach to rodeo was simple, his philosophy was, “put on the very best quality rodeo with top stock and top cowboys wholesome family entertainment.” He believed deeply in “quality, not quantity,” especially when it came to selecting brood mares and bulls. Vold was known for choosing animals based on proven bucking ability, temperament, and athleticism qualities that would elevate his stock to national prominence. His dedication to excellence shaped modern rodeo. Vold became one of only two stock contractors to supply bucking stock to every National Finals Rodeo (NFR), a remarkable achievement that speaks to his consistency, reputation, and unwavering commitment to the sport.
His peers recognized his excellence as well. Vold was named PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year 11 times, an honor that reflected not only the power of his animals but also his fairness, business judgment, and the respect he earned from cowboys, ranchers, bankers, and businesspeople alike. Over his long and successful career, Vold was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including ProRodeo Hall of Fame (1994), Canadian ProRodeo Hall of Fame (1992), Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame, Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Fame, Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Hall of Fame, Old Fort Days Rodeo (Fort Smith) Hall of Fame, Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame, Dodge City Round-Up Hall of Fame, among others.
In 2009, he was awarded the prestigious “Legend of ProRodeo,” solidifying his place among the greatest contributors in the history of the sport. He was also a life member of the Ponoka Stampede and was honored by the Sarcee Tribe in 1964 with the title of Honorary Chief, a recognition of his integrity and deep respect for the community.
Vold’s professional achievements were matched only by the pride he took in his family. He married Karen Vold, and together they raised five children: Doug, Dona, Darce, Kirsten, and Wayne. Each of them carried on the rodeo tradition in their own way.
Wayne Vold, a standout pickup man, worked at the NFR often called the Super Bowl of rodeo, and became beloved for singing O Canada during Canada Night at the National Finals Rodeo for many years.
Dona Vold-Larsen, who lives in Casper Wyoming, raises professional rodeo stock with her husband Bill who worked on the Vold ranch for many years. She is fiercely passionate about the sport, she once said, “Rodeo was in the milk we were raised on. We love it, we eat, sleep, and breathe it.” Dona earned her PRCA card at just 16 years old, making her part of the sport from an incredibly young age.
Doug Vold, a Canadian Finals Rodeo saddle bronc rider, became a respected breeder of both CFR and NFR caliber bucking horses. He is also the holder of the 95-point PRCA saddle bronc riding record, a historic and nearly unmatched achievement.
Darce Vold-Nilsson has long been involved in rodeo production and runs the Snowmass Rodeo every summer. Vold himself gave Darce her very first horse, Sun Valley, out of Big Valley and the NFR stud Sun Devil, marking the beginning of her lifelong rodeo journey. Together, Doug, Dona, and Darce formed the Triple V Rodeo Company, continuing the family’s multi-generation commitment to producing world-class stock and unforgettable rodeo experiences.
After Vold’s passing, leadership of the company shifted to Kirsten Vold, who had already spent years working side-by-side with her father. Vold spoke proudly of her dedication, “Kirsten’s done it all for the Harry Vold Rodeo Company the last few years. She hauls hay, sorts stock. She wouldn’t ask anyone on the crew to do anything she won’t do, and there’s nothing she won’t or can’t do. We have 600 to 700 horses and 200 bulls, and Kirsten knows them all.” Kirsten’s own love for the sport runs deep. As she once said, “Rodeo has such a heart. There’s a feeling about it that draws you in. It’s the people. That’s why so many cowboys stay involved after they’re done competing and why you see so many loyal, lifelong fans in this sport.” She continues to guide the Vold legacy with the same commitment to quality, fairness, and family values that defined her father’s life.
At age 80, Vold shared advice that captured the spirit of his life “You have to be strong and smart and stay with what you think is right but most of all you have to love it.” That love – deep, unwavering, and lifelong – fueled everything he built.
On March 13, 2017, Vold passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Avondale, Colorado. He was 93 years old. His memorial service was held at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, a fitting tribute to the man who helped shape the very framework of modern professional rodeo. Today, his legacy lives on not only in the Vold Rodeo Company but in the generations of cowboys, horsemen, stock contractors, and rodeo fans who were shaped by his vision. His belief in honesty, fairness, strong business judgment, and above all, quality livestock and wholesome family entertainment, continues to influence the sport from the grassroots level to the biggest arenas in the world.
Vold was more than a stock contractor. He was a builder, a visionary, a mentor, a family man, and a legend whose impact will continue to buck, kick, and thunder across the rodeo world for generations to come.
