RUATORIA RODEO

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18066, 18 April 1933, Page 10

RUATORIA RODEO

SUCCESSFUL MEETING FINE RIDING SEEN (Herald Correspondent. > The Ruatoria Rodeo Club had a most successful meeting on Saturday. There was a larger number of spectators and about twice as many competitors as at the previous meeting. Considerable skill and tenacity were shown by the riders, and both the steers and horses which were used by the competitors were in line fettle. ’Although a large number of entrants were unable to stick to their mounts, it was not altogether through poor riding but due, to the condition of their mounts. The steer riding drew 44 entries, and d' tli-,se a large majority gave good exhibitions. The riding by the winners, R. Walker, first, 1!. Grace, second, and It. Tinning, third, would have been very litlicult to better. The expectations of the crowd, who thought it might see Paki Johnstone, the 15-year-old winner last year, win again with Hying colors, were completely dashed, for although Paki made two attempts he was unable to bang on to his steers. Riders competed from all parts of the Coast, but the winners were all local boys.

In the horse jumping event which followed there were 25 entries, about twice the number who entered on the previous occasion. The jumping was excellent and the judges must have had considerable difficulty in choosing the winners—E. King, first, and Tibbie, second.

The steer-riding was then continued, and after a few entries a change was made to the wild horses, which gave the spectators many thrills. The special Welsh ponies were just the material required and with their bucking, twisting and turning gave the riders all they could do to hang on. The entries here were so many and the time sy short that at least eight riders were disappointed, as they could not secure an opportunity to compete. The winners in this event were: IT. Dimka. 1: K. Tuhou, 2; B. Chan, 3. All were local boys. On account of the time being so short the flag race event could not be held.

There were two accidents on this occasion. Mr. W. R. Burns, when riding a steer, was thrown and kicked, his ribs being injured. The other accident was of a minor nature, Mr. W. Barton cutting a finger when riding a horse, necessitating two stitches being inserted. The men received medical attention on the ground. From a financial viewpoint the club had a most successful dav. the gross takings being: Gate. £9l 17s 6d: canteen, £ls 2s lHd; entries. £ll 10s: total, £llß 10s Sid. After all expenses, are paid it is anticipated that a balance of £7O at least will be available. It is anticipated that another rodeo will be held about Christmas time.