WAGGA cowboy Tyler Pendergast cannot wait for the opportunity to take on Australia’s number one bucking horse at the time-honoured Narrandera rodeo on Saturday night.
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The draw for Saturday night’s showdown at Narrandera was released yesterday and Pendergast has drawn Cheyenne Top Girl in the saddle bronc for the very first time.
While many people would be a little daunted by tackling one of the most feared animals in the sport, Pendergast is excited and has taken a positive approach to the task.
“She’s pretty tough, but if you ride her good you’ll win,” Pendergast said yesterday.
“I haven’t ridden her before, but I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s a good way to test yourself against good bucking horses and she’s the best.
“You know if you can ride her, you can ride most of them.”
Pendergast must stay on Cheyenne Top Girl for the required eight seconds to qualify.
Judges then award points out of 50 for how the horse bucked, then 50 points for how the rider rode it.
Pendergast, 24, has been competing at rodeos for five years now.
He competes at about 15 rodeos a year and has travelled as far as Darwin to compete.
The Wagga stock and station agent recently qualified from second division to the open category last year.
Pendergast placed at a few events before securing his maiden open victory at Rosewood in November.
Narrandera rodeo publicity officer Graeme Freund said it will be an exciting match up.
“Tyler’s a very competitive cowboy, but Cheyenne Top Girl is the bucking horse of the year,” Freund said.
Pendergast will also compete in the steer wrestling.
Meanwhile, top Victorian cowboy Brad Pierce has drawn Cold Case in the open bull ride. Rosewood cowboy Ben Hall has drawn bareback horse of the year Mandys Boy in the bareback ride.
With cowboys travelling from across Australia to Narrandera, Freund is confident that Riverina competitors will more than hold their own.
“Riverina will be very well represented,” Freund said. “We’ve
certainly got some very capable cowboys here in the Riverina.”
Facts
What: Narrandera Rodeo
When: Saturday February 25 from 6.30pm
Where: Narrandera Rodeo Grounds
How much: Adults $20, children under 18 free, pensioners $10
