Back In The Saddle At Jindabyne Rodeo
WHEN the cowboys buckle up for the Jindabyne Rodeo on Tuesday December 28, it will be the first Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) southern zone rodeo since the Jindabyne event in December 2019.
This enforced break courtesy of the 2019-20 bushfires and then covid restrictions will see the cowboys itching to catch up for lost time and tame the bulls and broncs.
Jindabyne Rodeo Committee’s Allan Rowson said as part of the return to Jindabyne, there will be a bareback novice ride reintroduced for 2021 that has been missing for a fair few years.
“There's a real excitement about the horse events again this year,” said Allan.
“We rang the stock contractor and he said, the novice bareback is really going to town. So that means it's the younger kids coming through, that 18 to 22 year old market that haven't got access to the open bareback, but they want to go in some sort of bareback. We said we will throw it in there.”
When asked would the novice horses buck just as hard, Allan replied, “I won't go out on a limb and say that, no, usually they buck worse because they're untried. It's a baptism of fire in the novice.”
That means more entertainment for the traditional big Jindabyne holiday crowd at John Connors Oval. The venue has always been a strength of the Jindabyne Rodeo, with patrons able to walk to the oval.
This year regular attendees may notice the ring has been enlarged and there will be a change of entry with patrons parking first and then paying for their ticket at the entry gate.
With over 230 individual riders competing in events from barrel racing, junior and ladies steers, the bucking broncs and big bulls, it will be an action packed day. Plus, the brave clowns deflecting angry bulls away from cowboys adds to the drama.
Apart from the visiting cowboys chasing the upwards of $8000 prize pool on the day, a good contingent of local lads will look to share in the glory. Pay attention for an extra cheer as they are announced and enter the ring.
This year life has been made easier for competitor entries with ABCRA combing all the entries for multiple rodeos during the festive period. There will also be officials attending from other rodeos scheduled after Jindabyne to see how everything can run in the aftermath of the recent covid restrictions.
The Jindabyne Rodeo Committee are a dedicated group of workers who have been together for years. Each have their role on the day to ensure it all runs smoothly for the riders, animals and the spectators. Allan Rowson said the first rodeo he attended as a boy in Jindabyne was 1965. He and all the committee really look forward to the day.
“The keenness of the riders after a two year layoff is just sensational, so they want to get back into it,” said Allan.
The Jindabyne Man From Snowy River Rodeo is held at John Connors Oval in the middle of town. You can easily walk form the shopping centres, or even from your accommodation.
Gates Open 11.30am
Action starts from 12 noon
Entry $20 Adults, $10 Child, $50 family (2 adults 2 kids)
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