A twilight rodeo will launch the 2017 Dorrigo Show using “professional” bulls trucked in especially for the events.
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The main show days on November 25 and 26 will be preceded by a six-event program of bull, steer and poddy riding on Friday November 24 beginning at 7pm.
The Ray White Rural Rodeo will include open, novice and junior sections plus “mini bull” rides for competitors aged eight to 16 years.
Competitors will face up to 30 bulls from Matthew Doak Bucking Bulls, Bundarra.
These will include 10 to 15 “mini” bulls for the under 16 years events.
Mr Doak says “mini” bulls are bred to meet the height limitations set down for junior riders.
He says his bulls “have a pretty good life”. They are bred from top performing rodeo bulls, pasture and grain fed and may begin their lives in the ring from the age of two years.
“A good bull may compete until he is 10 to 13 years of age and then be put out to sire progeny,” Mr Doak says.
“Bulls do not have a hard life. We might buck them five to 10 times a year, usually once but occasionally twice, at each rodeo.
“In the paddock they are quiet and easily approached. Once in the chutes, they know their job and they like doing it well.
“You could say they are like elite athletes.”
Rodeo classes at Dorrigo Show will be open and novice bull rides, 14 to under 18 steer ride, eight to under 11 poddy ride, eight to under 11 mini bull ride and 11 to under 14 mini bull ride.
Entries will be taken on the day.
Bar facilities and refreshments will be available.
Show society President Sally Duckett said the rodeo was part of the society’s efforts to make each show bigger and better and to make it different and appealing to a wide range of people.
“The Show office will be open to accept entries from the November 13, from 9 am to 5 pm,” Sally said.
“We encourage exhibitors to get their entries in as early as possible.
“ We have planned lots of entertainment for kids and adults: cattle judging, treasure hunt, a sand wizard, student section, photography, vegies, pet show, farmers’ challenge and a whip cracking competition.
“We issue a warm invitation to everyone to come and enjoy attractions of a genuine country show.”
Society members and supporters are reminded that there will be a working bee at the showground on November 18, followed by a barbecue for all volunteers who are helping at this year’s show.
