Head down, bum up: Former jockey Jason Collins on a 82 point ride. It was a long walk back to the chutes after the mare dropped him on the other side of the arena. Photo: Daneka Hill
Kyabram Rodeo returned in style last Friday with a record number of competitors and a bumper crowd at the “brilliant” event.
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Kyabram Show Society secretary Janelle McDonald said the 76th edition of the Kyabram rodeo was a huge success.
“As an event it was absolutely amazing, that’s the only way I can put it,” Ms McDonald said.
“It was a brilliant night, the crowd was amazing.
“We had record entries and a massive crowd of people that were very, very well behaved.
“We didn’t have any hiccups and no injuries, and that to me is a major part of it.”
Ms McDonald said there were approximately 350 competitors at the rodeo across all the events, the most in the night rodeo era.
“I reckon that’s as good as we have ever had,” she said.
Put your back into it: Kelsey Pavlou on “Sally”. Kelsey was hot off winning the Echuca Rodeo and Whittlesea Rodeo. Photo: Daneka Hill
The entrants were spread out fairly evenly across the different events, but Ms McDonald said she had noticed growth in the barrel racing in particular.
“The barrel racing is always really big, it’s getting more and more popular,” she said.
Ms McDonald said the record participants — paired with an impressive crowd of over 3000 people — were great signs for the future of rodeo.
“I think it is a sign that rodeo is bigger and better and is going to be going for a long time yet,” she said.
“I think it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.
“People love going to watch it, the cowboys and cowgirls love it. There seems to be real traction towards the sport.”
On top of the huge number of competitors, a crowd of approximately 3750 soaked in the action at the Kyabram Showgrounds.
The rodeo was first held in 1946, but last year’s edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But Ms McDonald said that cancellation might have helped boost the crowd numbers this year.
“I think that had a lot to do with it,” she said.
“We always have a great rodeo, but I really think we had a good crowd of people because they’re looking to get out and have a good time.”
She said rodeos were great for people of all ages.
“It’s a family event, it’s not just for older people or young people — there was lots of little kids and families there and they all had a great time,” she said.
“It had a real family-friendly atmosphere.”
The event, hosted by the Kyabram AH and P Society, was part of the regional tri-series program, with Kyabram on the Friday night, Merrijig on Saturday and Chiltern on Sunday night.
The Kyabram event is one of the five longest-running rodeos in Australia and has been inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame.
More photos from the rodeo are on page 11 of today’s Free Press.
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