n«n Action event galore!

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 477, 16 March 1993, Page 8

n«n Action event

galore!

Whether you get your kicks from (riding) a bucking horse, or whether riding a sheep is more your speed, the annual Waimarino Rodeo caters for all tastes - and it's on again this

Saturday and Sunday, 20 and 21 March. The 43rd annual Waimarino Rodeo looks likely to emulate last year's fierce competitiveness, with entry numbers in most of the events housed over the two days of competition on a par. Open events feature on Saturday, while second division competitions will run on Sunday. Sadly lacking from this year's rodeo as has been the trend in previous years, is the local participation. Waimarino Rodeo secretary Michelle Bright said numbers of local entrants is low, and organisers would like to see more participation by Waimarino riders.

All the action takes place once again at the Waimarino Showgrounds on Parapara Rd, just south of Raetihi, commencing at Ilam on both days. The country's top rodeo ropers and riders will be converging on the region this weekend, all aiming to add to their points tallies for the national titles, which means some fierce competition in the rodeo arena and some entertaining action for spectators. The Church family, a formidable name in the world of rodeo, will again be competing among those up-and-coming riders vying for their share of the $2800 prize money. Merv Church and his boys proved to be strong all-rounders at last year's rodeo, while the brother duo of David and Mark Wright showed their strength in the bronco and bull riding events. Rodeo as a spectator sport has always proved popular with locals and visitors alike, with such events as bull riding and bareback riding pulling the crowds. Entry to the showgrounds remains unchanged from last year; adults $5 and children $2. Dedicated rodeo riders do the "circuit" of competition; that means following the rodeos around the country, leading up to the finals later in the year where nationals titles are up for grabs. The serious competitor may fly from the North Island to the South Island to take part.

On top of travel expenses there are the "essentials" to consider - the cost of repairing, maintaining, or buying new equipment. For the rodeo rider who is on top, the cost of competition is not too great, according to Waimarino Rodeo president Ian Healey. An experienced rodeo participant, Mr Healey said riders plan their year around rodeo competitions. "Your life has to be organised around rodeo and you've got to have the winning attitude," he said. "A good cowboy has great respect for the stock and has to be fit and healthy." One or two of the events on this year's calendar have undergone a name change but the activity remains unchanged. Steer wrestling is the new name for bulldogging; last year's buck jump event is renamed the saddle bronc. Sponsorship of individual events also differs from last year's competition. Prcvious year's favourites including such novelty events as the adult steer undecorating and the children 's sheep undecorating feature once again. The Ohakune Hotel, sponsor of this year's $300 open saddle bronc event, will be providing refreshments over the weekend. As a lead-up to the rodeo, on Friday night the Waimarino

Cosmopolitan Club powers up their mechanical bull for an evening of thrills and spills. Saturday night, and the now famous Raetihi Rodeo Hoe Down gets under way at the Waimarino Club. The event in previous years proved popular with competitors and noncompetitors alike, as a chance to let off some steam and enjoy a fun night out with a western flavour. The Waimarino Rodeo Club thank all the people that make the organisation of the rodeo possible: the sponsors, stock contractors, carriers, graziers and local farmers who have lent stock.