BUCKING bulls, live music, good food and star quality athletes will all come together for this year’s Rosewood Show Bull Ride tonight (Friday).
Professional bull rider Ty Thompson who is currently leading the title in the National Rodeo Association Circuit will be competing on the night alongside fellow professional bull riders Clay and Zane Hall and Dan Ruhland.
Organiser and Assistant on the night, Ian Bostock, said the riders all follow the rodeo circuit and compete professionally at numerous rodeo events throughout Australia to accumulate points. Some have also competed at an international level in the United States.
“The riders are seasoned professionals who train hard both on the bull and off,” Ian said.
“And the bulls are in tip top shape and are born to buck.
“This is a fast-paced event, packed with adrenaline and excitement.
“Tonight, the competition will see an open bull ride, junior bull ride and a mini bull ride where each competitor will be holding on for eight seconds to accumulate points and take home the prize money.”
Ian described bull riding as a fascinating sport.
“The bulls are strong, fast and they spin, testing both the mental and physical ability of each rider.
“The riders must have strength and they must be fit, once they take their place on the bull everything happens so fast, yet sometimes eight seconds can feel like forever.”
As part of the rules each rider must hold on for eight seconds, one hand in the air and the other only holding onto the bull rope.
The judges then award points to both the bull and the rider which are added together to determine the winner.
“Alongside the bulls and the riders are the always popular rodeo protection bull fighters and this role is one of the most important ones to keep the riders safe,” he said.
“Once the shute opens, everything is at stake, the bulls are bucking, spinning and their horns are flying, the rider’s subconscious kicks in.
He added that it was important that the bull fighters distract the bulls once the riders falls so that everyone is safe.
“From start to finish this rodeo will have the whole family on their feet, I guarantee an action-packed night filled with entertainment, live music and great food.”
