The Cockatoo Rodeo celebrated its 21st birthday in style.
By Paul Pickering
THE Cockatoo Rodeo turned 21 on the weekend, with a celebration befitting the comingofage of a local institution.
A raucous crowd of 4000 people dusted off their Stetsons for the event, revelling in its unique outbackbrand of family entertainment.
Rodeo organiser Graeme MacKay said that the night’s biggest reception was reserved for the smallest competitors, as the young horsemen and horsewomen took centre stage on their Shetland ponies in the Frank and Kath Fin Memorial Trophy.
“It was a real crowd favourite,” Mr MacKay said.
All competitors in the time trial received prize ribbons for their efforts.
Another highlight was the annual barrel race between the men on motorbikes and the women on horseback.
“The boys on the bikes seem to think they can beat the girls on the horses, but the bikes have never won as far as I can remember,” Mr MacKay quipped.
Tenneille Little ensured another equine victory, with a score of 15.527.
In other results, Bruce O’Dell and Dale Piper shared the glory in the Saddle Bronc competition, Lindsay Friend won the Bull Ride, and Jason Gorsuch took out the Bareback title.
Proceeds from the rodeo will go towards Macclesfield Pony Club and Emerald Junior Football Club, as well as the formation of a new youth car and motorbike club.
Mr MacKay said that a committee would soon be formed to organise the new club, and that the funds would be invaluable in purchasing vehicles and equipment for young participants.
Mr MacKay noted that the event had become a Cockatoo institution in its 21 years.
“The Cockatoo Rodeo has always been a keen favourite of local competitors, mainly because of the way the crowd really gets into it,” he said.
By all accounts, the weekend’s festivities were no exception.
