The oldest rodeo in N.Z.

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 235, 15 March 1988, Page 10

The oldest rodeo in N.Z.

Rodeo in N e w Zealand liad its infancy on the large sheep and dry stock (beef cattle) stations where horses were the main means o f transport. Breaking saddle stock after months of idleness provided much merriment and competition among station hands. This sport progressed to events during picnic days and country carnivals and other unrecorded gatherings. Although travel was rare several visits took place in the 1930's between the Australian Roughriders and the New Zealand cowboys, which, in the nature of ANZACS, turned into a "tcst". It was reported the Aussies creamed us by cheating. The interruption by hostilities in Europe delayed progress until Meeanee in 1950 when rules, arena size and

terminology were standardized. The New Zealand Cowboys' Association set about rid-

ding itself of the unsavoury image of the rodeo cowboy as perpetrated by the motion

picture industry, ballad writers and singers. The professional rodeo Turntop.ll

The oldest rodeo

From p. 10 cowboy bears little resemblance to the raunchy denim clad men training on "Southem Comfort" and climbing unsteadily onto wild eyed horses. What made for good movie plots did not reflect the reality of the modern professional rodeo cowboy. While there are many derogatory interpretations of the word "cowboy" the nub is "he who takes it one step further than the limit, just that much harder." The young cowboy emerging is a true professional. His clothing is clean, practical, traditionally styled and

colourful. His equipment is well maintained and of high quality. Although not all are teetotal, alcohol has a low priority on a cowboy's list. A high standard of fitness through breathing and stretching exercises reduce the possibility of injury to a minimum. A young professional cowboy fears injury the most as it means rides lost thereby losing the chance of "dollar points" toward claiming a title. Travel to North America is more convenient and the rodeo purses are more lucrative than our closest neighbour Australia. In 1987 these New Zealand cowboys qualified in the "Foothills Cowboys Association" Finals(championships). () Rank in standing Saddle Bronc (3) John Dale, (6) Mark Wright. Steer Wrestling (10) J. Dale. Bare Back (3) Des Church, (8) Malcolm MacKenzie, (10) Jonathon Costelloe, Bull Ride (2) Lachlan MacKintosh, All Round (2) John Dale, Rookier of the Year (1) Mark Wright, (5) Jonathon Costelloe. This year twelve Australian and seven Canadian and two American cowboys are touring here.