Hold On For The Best Bucking Action

Newcastle Herald

Friday May 2, 2008

By JADE LAZAREVIC

AUSTRALIA'S top cowboys agree that Scone Horse Festival Charity Rodeo is one of the best in the country.

Competitors from Far North Queensland and Western Australia are among those set to appear at Scone's White Park on May 10 as part of the Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival.

There is $20,000 worth of prize money up for grabs this year.

Spectators can expect to see a host of champions in action including the likes of Kerry Wellington, Rob Galton and Warren Norton, the 2007 steer wrestling champion and this season's leading all-round cowboy.

In addition to the top line-up of competitors, the stock will be first class, with three contractors bringing some of the best bucking stock in the country to Scone.

Stock includes Open Road, which is rated as one of the best saddle broncos produced in Australia, former Bareback Horse of the Year, Volcano, and Bucking Bulls of the Year Ride, Tuff Loco and Orgasma.

"We're one of the biggest rodeos in the state as far as prize money," Scone Rodeo Association president Jade Smith said.

"We've got competitors coming from as far north as Charters Towers in Queensland and as far south as Wagga Wagga.

"We draw those sort of competitors because of the good prize money we have on offer and the stock coming.

"We have three lots of people bringing their best bulls and their best horses. When you get quality of stock like that, that's when you draw your really good competitors."

Organisers of the Scone Horse Festival Charity Rodeo anticipate a crowd of about 4000 this year.

The first events kick off at 1pm with the main action getting under way at 5.30pm, followed by a performance by rising country music star Col Finley who released the hit single Get Your Country On.

Comedy clown act Mick Johnson will also perform in the ring throughout the event.

"It's a real family show. It has a real family atmosphere," Mr Smith said.

Full catering and bar facilities will be available on site.

Tickets at the gate are $12 adults, $5 children and pensioners and $25 for a family (two adults and two children).

"We're one of the biggest rodeos in the state as far as prize money."

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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