Advertising Feature
Slick, fast, non-stop and action-packed – that’s the formula for the time-honoured Scone Charity Rodeo which will be held this Saturday at White Park.
Combining top prizemoney with the meanest bucking stock to attract elite riders from around the country, Scone Charity Rodeo was peer-voted back-to-back Rodeo of the Year by the Australian Bushman Campdraft and Rodeo Association in 2013 and 2014.
It’s an equation that pays off inside and outside the arena, according to Scone Charity Rodeo president Jade Smith.
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“We have a big prizemoney pool,” Mr Smith said. “We pay out about 30k to competitors. Average rodeos might not be able to afford that kind of cash.
“Our stock are strong. We approach one or two top contractors and get the best going, highlighted this year by Australia’s leading bucking bull as voted by the ABCRA, Eye Candy, which is yet to be ridden after three years on the circuit.
“Big dollars and top stock draws the best competitors and that way, when people come, they’ll know know they’re watching quality right across the board.
"This Saturday night we’ll have Australian champions competing in pretty much every event.
“Points on offer go towards qualification for the end-of-season national finals.”
Mr Smith is expecting riders from as far afield as Queensland, WA, Junee and Wagga Wagga to fly in the event.
Outside the arena, the Scone Charity Rodeo is all about supporting the community who support them.
“We’re a registered charity and this year we’re supporting Beyond Blue,” Mr Smith said.
“Over the last 10 years we’ve donated over $80,000 to local community organisations and causes.”
The format of the day is designed to sync in with other Horse Festival events.
“It’s a good family day, people can come in for the grand parade in town at 11pm,” Mr Smith said.
“Then they can have lunch and mosey down to the showground. We run prelims through the day.
“At 4pm, we’ll have a kids meet and greet with all the Australian champions where the kids can learn a few skills, get an autograph and practise on the bucking drums and bull machine.
“Then from 5pm onwards, we have three hours of bullriding, bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, lady’s barrel racing – all the events the crowds love to see. Plus a few alternate favourites like the wild mule ride.
“You can bring a rug or chair and set up on the grass hills to watch the elite competitors in the main events.”
At the conclusion of the rodeo, Troy Kemp, formerly one half of McAlister-Kemp, will perform live with his band.
“Apart from Scone Cup, the Scone Charity Rodeo is the biggest drawcard during the Horse Festival,” Mr Smith said. “We’re expecting at least 3000 this year, and weather permitting it’s shaping up to be as good as ever, if not better.”
Food and drinks will be available at the canteen, with tickets on sale at the gate: $15 adult, $8 kids-pensioners, $35 family (2 adults 2 kids).
