All hands have been on deck to set up Lithgow’s Show, including the rodeo arena. For the first time the showground will host bull riding events on both Friday and Saturday nights, starting at 7pm.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Matt Besant arrived at the showground from Razorback on Wednesday to set up the arena, which takes about five hours to erect.
Mr Besant, who runs the rodeo with his wife Lisa, said this year’s show will see 23 competitors take a seat on his especially bred rodeo bulls.
“Richard Treanor will be competing, he’s a Bathurst boy who has been the southern zone Australian champion a few times,” he said.
“Zac Maher is an Oberon boy. He’s been competing for 4-5 years, he’s one to watch if you are looking for a local fella.”
The rodeo requires its competitors to stay on the bull, holding on with one hand, for eight seconds.
“It’s difficult because you’re talking an 800 kilogram bull against a 60 kilogram rider,” Mr Besant said.
“And these bulls are bred to buck, they’re bred to perform.”
He said the best beast for rodeo is one with attitude.
“Mainly they have to buck. It’s good if they have attitude, preferably a cranky one.”
Rodney Mansell and Brody Moss will be the weekend’s bullfighters, also known as ‘protection clowns’. These brave athletes are tasked with distracting and taking a hit from the bull if the rider falls off.
The bull riding heats will begin at 7pm on Friday, March 16, and the finals at 7pm on Saturday.
Related stories:
