The Rodeo

Today we back tracked a little as there was a rodeo in town! Adelaide River was hosting a rodeo in conjunction with their annual show and we were keen to go along. We sadly left Florence Falls and checked in to the Adelaide River Tourist Park, which was right behind the BP servo, but a great park with grassy sites and a nice pool. We settled in, caught up on a heap of washing, then headed over to the show grounds for a country hick good time!! Sadly the show itself was not much, a few exhibits that we got to help judge. The kids were really disappointed as there were no showbags! They did however have a rock climbing wall, and they made short work of that, what with all the experience they have been getting lately!!

But then we saw what we were there for. The gymkhana had some great riders and we watched as they herded cows around some posts set out in the arena.

The horses were amazing, they were so fast! Troy started getting a bit toey, he really wanted to get back on one!!

Unfortunately, it was really dry and dusty, and they had set up the grandstand in the direction the wind was blowing, so we all got really dirty and very parched! We popped back to the park to cool down and clean off with a swim before heading back for the main event. There was a bit of a gap while they set up new fencing for the rodeo, then the real show started! We felt a little out of place, everyone was dressed in their best flanny, denim, boots and hat. Troy thought about wearing a belt with his biggest buckle!! In the end we bought some hats and felt a little more like we were part of the crowd!! 

We got pole position seats, right near the gates where the riders were released. The juniors on potty calves were first, followed by some barrel racing. We then saw some bull riding and some bucking broncos. Those horses were really mad! Gee did they buck! Then the bulls got bigger and meaner! One poor rider copped a horn where no man should!! Some of the riders did a superb job and lasted the required length of time. Others were off before the bull was out of the pen! 

Overall we had a super night, but didn't stick around to witness the B&S ball. Not sure if I still have the stamina for one of those!!