TIME is precious in the world of rodeo, and while eight seconds seems a short time, when you are riding a monstrous bucking bull, it might seem like an eternity.
As the gate opens and upwards of 600 kilograms of raw bull power is unleashed, you had better be hanging on tight as your world can be easily turned upside down. That is the cowboy’s version of the ride, where we as spectators simply watch in awe as rider is pitted against the beast.
The bareback and bucking bronc horses also pack some punch, and it is usually on their terms when they decide enough is enough. Then the rider gets the exit buck really quick, plus has to fall from a greater height before eating some quality Monaro dust.
Action packed is all part of rodeo entertainment and seeing the occasional spectacular dismount just par for the course. It often comes as an unwelcome surprise to the rider. The beast on the other hand is rather impressed with his handiwork.
The Snowy Monaro are blessed to have two great rodeo events, the Jindabyne Man from Snowy River Rodeo on December 28 and the Agriwest Cooma Rodeo on February 17. The 2023 Cooma Rodeo will have a new Friday night timeslot and is now under the banner of Australian Professional Rodeo Association event.
Visitors and residents should note these dates in the diary and attend both. You can be assured there will be action galore from start to finish and a highly entertaining time.
The December holiday crowd love the Jindabyne rodeo where they can take the short stroll from town to John Connors Oval. Arrive early to be assured of a mini grandstand seat and settle in for a schedule that always has the crowd entertained.
The calibre of professional cowboys at both events is first class, plus with a mix of up and coming novice talent and a good smattering of local cowboys there is plenty to cheer about.
Tumbarumba’s Australian Champion bareback rider Ben Hall won at Jindabyne in 2021 and Stuart Orford pictured here at Cooma in 2019 hails from the region at Braidwood and is always a contender in every bull ride event.
“As there hasn’t been any events for so long rodeo is getting going again,” said Cooma Rodeo secretary Jenny Solomon, referring to Cooma not running since 2019. “Our sponsors are all local and they want to keep the sport happening in Cooma. We will have live entertainment with Jay Podger playing.”
Jenny said they have great connections with the region, “Clinton Riley is another local who travels around the state, always a local favourite in the Polybuck Jump. The Duedney family well involved, mother Kellie in the barrel race and sons Jake and Toby up and coming stars. Toby recently competed in the 2022 Junior World Championships in Las Vegas.”
Roughstock riders will also welcome news they will be competing for the highest prizemoney ever at the Cooma Rodeo thanks to local sponsorship. Cooma will be using Rick Wilson stock from Sydney, and Happy Gil’s bulls who have both been long term in the industry.
The Jindabyne rodeo committee have constantly been upgrading their arena, with new fencing in recent years creating a larger ring and allowing more seating close to the action. This year they have poured work into the yards behind the ring which all makes for a better streamlined event.
The event has been on the calendar since 1943 and with a strong committee continues to put on a great show for the Christmas holiday crowd.
From the kids to Grandma, it’s always a great day out for the whole family with not only all the thrills and spills of the Rodeo but also sideshows, food stalls, barbecue and bar facilities available.
For local riders, the Miners boys Jayden, Clayton and Tommy and Callan Golby, they always receive an extra cheer at both Jindabyne and Cooma.
Polybuck jump specialist Darryl Baines is another who grew up on the Monaro and often takes the cash prize. When you see Darryl ride you appreciate the horsemanship skills of the man, that extra cheer again in the crowd evident.
You can follow the events on social media for updates and see all the specific details in adverts below. For a great day or evening of entertainment get along and support both these fantastic rodeos.
Jindabyne Rodeo December 28 John Connors Oval
Tumbarumba Rodeo New Years Day
Cooma Rodeo Friday February 17, 2023