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A hefty increase in prize money is sure to attract top cowboys from around New Zealand and overseas to battle it out at the Warkworth Rodeo on New Year’s Day.
2020 marks Warkworth Rodeo’s 60th year at the Warkworth Showgrounds.
Prize money has increased in all events and doubled in major ones such as the open bull ride, which is now worth $1000 to the winner.
Warkworth Rodeo secretary Krista Fletcher says the Warkworth event is famous for its big bucking bulls and this year the bull ride is being sponsored by the Brown family of Pakiri.
Many faithful rodeo fans will recall Jack Brown, a founder member of Warkworth Rodeo, who served as a gate opener for many years and his daughter Jackie, also a dedicated rodeo supporter.
About 20 members of the Church family from Rerewhakaaitu will provide another link with the past.
Merv Church, now in his seventies, began competing in the New Zealand rodeo circuit in the 1960s. He will be at it again at the Warkworth Rodeo competing in the team roping event. His children and grandchildren will participate in other events.
Besides open bull riding and team roping, spectators will also see bareback riding, rope and tie, steer wrestling and barrel racing.
Team roping often comprises one man and one woman in a team. Each competitor is on horseback chasing a fleeing steer. One competitor must throw a rope around the steer’s head, while the other secures the back legs. If either competitor misses their throw they are disqualified.
Women compete in barrel racing, which involves a competitor on horseback speeding around barrels on a designated course, in the fastest possible time.
Among the competitors will be Mangawhai’s April Fletcher, 12, who recently travelled with Rodeo New Zealand to compete in an under-18s event in Brisbane, Australia.
In addition to open, junior and novice divisions, there will be a local barrel race. Anyone can turn up with their own horse and compete. They must be dressed in western attire and wearing appropriate boots. First prize is $150 and a trophy.
There will also be a local steer race, where anybody can tackle riding a steer, which is provided. Again, competitors must be dressed appropriately and sign a form to declare they have not been drinking. First prize is also $150.
To participate in the local barrel or local steer race, email warkworthrodeo@xtra.co.nz before the event.
Meanwhile, those interested in Warkworth Rodeo’s past will be able to browse a display of memorabilia located in the old bar area at the top of the hill overlooking the arena.
Gates open around 9.30am and the action continues to about 4pm. There will be plenty of food stalls, but Kirsta says families are welcome to bring their own food and drink and have a picnic at the event.
“It’s a family day out and should not cost the family a fortune,” she says.
Admission is family (two adults and four children) $50, adults $20, children $5.
