A GREAT WEEKEND
Taralga is looking forward to a fun-filled family weekend, which begins with the campdraft and the arrival of the Australia Day ambassador on Thursday, when the Australia Day citizen is named.
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The Draft continues on Friday with the dog trials, while the gymkhana and junior rodeo and entertainment are run on Saturday.
The exciting first class rodeo is on Sunday.
The cowboys travel from all centres to test their strength and agility against that of the huge bulls from Moruya and the high bucking horses of Rick Wilson.
The rider must maintain his position for eight seconds – a long time when the animal is determined to throw his rider.
If a cowboy hurts the animal in any way, he/she is immediately disqualified.
The stock contractors value their bulls and horses and they are looked after with great care, fed well and perform for just eight seconds at each rodeo.
The most fearsome event in the rodeo is the bull ride when the rider pits his ability to remain on the 800kg bull with only one hand wrapped in a rope around the bulls girth.
A survey commissioned by Time-Life magazine named the bull ride as the most dangerous sporting event in the world.
In the saddle ride the cowboy holds a single rein in one hand to provide a point of balance between rider and horse.
Points are scored for maintaining rhythm with the horse and using the rein correctly.
The riders hand must not come in contact with any part of the horse.
This is known as “touching down” and means instant disqualification.
The bareback ride means that the rider has only a “suitcase like” handle strapped to the horse’s back.
He virtually lays on his back to balance as the horse does its hardest to dislodge him.
The fastest and most glamorous of the present day rodeo is the barrel race when speeds of 40km/h are reached as the course of three barrels is negotiated.
Freshly cooked food and hot or cold drinks are available throughout the functions and there are amusements especially for the children.
Patrons bring a chair or rug to sit in the hillside or on a stand around the arena.
CAMPDRAFT CLINIC
The Pony Club ran a very successful campdraft clinic at the showground on Sunday.
Thirty three riders and their families came from Canberra, Braidwood, Yass, Breadalbane and Marulan as well as local supporters.
Classes were from 10 to 25 years.
The three instructors were Troy Madden, Robbie Blacker and Jade French.
Jade commented how impressive was the enthusiasm and improvement of the riders.
It looks as if this will become an annual event for Taralga Club.
President of the Pony Club, Kym Croker, at the presentation, thanked the instructors, donors, stock owners and riders for their support.
Donations came from Ultimate Horse Shop, JD Rural Supplies, Kate Dutaillis, Troy and Lynne Madden, Neill Croker, Rob Beattie, Craig and Elise Croker and Aaron and Janelle Neale.
Find out more
For all the details on Australia Day and the Taralga Campdraft and Rodeo long weekend, go to http://www.taralgarodeo.com.au or call secretary Lara Miller on 0413 994 239.
