Echuca Pro Rodeo Peter Devenport in the steer wrestling.
Photo by
Josh Huntly
WHAT MAKES THE ECHUCA RODEO UNIQUE IS THE INCLUSION OF A FULL JUNIOR RODEO PROGRAM.
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“Kids from the ages of 17 and under have the opportunity to come and compete at our rodeos,” M5 Rodeo Promotions owner Nicole McDonald said.
“We supply all of their events, that is the junior steer ride, the junior barrel race, the junior breakaway, the junior team roping,” Nicole said.
“We are affiliated with the Australian High School Rodeo Association, which enables those kids to be able to make it to the world finals in America.
“That is something we are really passionate about is keeping our younger generation in a sport that they love.
Corbin Mundie competing at the 2023 Echuca Pro Rodeo .
Photo by
Josh Huntly
“They become so busy during the week looking after their animals and practising, that it keeps them out of mischief.
“And we hope by displaying that to these rural communities that there may be other kids out there that may be interested in these events and may want to get into the sport.”
Part of the junior program is a ‘Cowkids hour’ which is a free kids hour from 5.30pm to 6.30pm the night of the rodeo, where local kids are invited down to jump on the bucking dummy and have a go, before the main performance.
“You will find that the competitor list will be quite extensive because this is the third year we will be coming back to Echuca, and it has really made a name for itself and competitors want to be on board,” Nicole said.
“They want to come to great rodeos, as well as support the juniors.
“We have got fantastic crowds, Echuca is a great spot for a rodeo and the locals love it.
“This year we have opened up early bird tickets, to give the public the opportunity to get a couple of bucks off, with early bird tickets cheaper than at the gate.”
The main performance starts at 7pm, with the open events, all the big bad boys of rodeo.
Local competitor Tess Lloyd in the Junior Barrel Race
Photo by
Contributed
There will be open bull riding, open saddle bronc, all bucking horses and then the barrel race, breakaway, team roping and steer wrestling.
This will be followed by live music by local singer Gareth Leach and his band, playing until late.
Gareth Leach and the Narratives of Hope.
Photo by
Josh Huntly
There will be an Echuca Rodeo after party at OPT Nightclub from 11.30pm.
Echuca Rodeo is on Friday, February 23 at the Echuca Showgrounds, Echuca South. Purchase tickets at https://www.m5rodeo.com.au/ or at the gate.
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