Rodeo Broadcasting

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7060, 7 November 1929, Page 8

Rodeo Broadcasting

STEER RIDING COMPETITION. NEW SHOW AMUSEMENT PROVES VERY POPULAR

There wore no “broncs” at the Palmerston North Showgrounds yesterday but there were very efficient and energetic substitutes in an assorted selection of very annoyed steers, wffiich did everything nasty steers can do without tying themselves in knots. While steer-riding as a pastime, cannot be recommended as an amusement for those desiring rest and quiet, its introduction to Palmerston North yesterday proved quite successful. The steers did all in their power to make the rodeo a success and the riders did the rest. To cling to a steer is a feat requiring some ability and one which the 17 riders who tried their luck, attempted with varying degrees of success.

Possibly, with the idea of encouraging the performers to give of their best, a mob of cows was marshalled in the centre of the oval. Tho steers w T ere released from specially constructed stalls on the right of the small stand and in many cases, the attendants had a strenuous time getting them into position. The riders were allowed only the use of a surcingle and clinging to their restivo steeds, were released into the oval. Judging from appearances, Manawatu steers are in no way lacking in the joie do vivre which makes these animals such lively playfellows, and the crowds on the stands and fences were, vastly entertained. Steer riding, as a show amusement, was first introduced at the Stratford • show and the sport has proved very popular in Taranaki. In consequence, it was scarcely surprising that four out of the five placed riderß were Taranaki men, who had obviously been astride bucking steers on jirevious occasions. The winner, W. J. Smith, of Tlawera, sat his mount with no more concern than he would have shown for the old grey mare, despite the energetic gymnastic display staged by the animal, refused to come unstuck. His second animal proved even more difficult but he rode it until it decided to call the battle off. W. Payne, of Stratford, who was second, also gave a groat exhibition of steersmanship. Several steers after very capably disposing of their riders, gave a section of tho crowd a bad few minutes by rushing the fence. One animal smashed a railing in two places but none succeeded in escaping from the oval. Although a number of riders struck Mother Earth with considerable force, there were fortunately no injuiies. Owing to difficulty in controlling a number of the animals, there was delay between the appearance of the different riders and next year, it is hoped, steps will be taken to obviate this. The entertainment was certainly very much to the liking of the record crowd, which saw some thrilling riding and , buckjumping which would rival anything on the screen. Results were:— W. J. Smith (Hawera 1 W. Payne (Stratford) 2 K. Myhill (Kaponga) 3 Alex. Glassford (Feilding) .. 4 E. Johnson (Kaponga) 5