RODEO
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BEING buffeted every which way on powerful beasts has taken its toll on international rodeo star Cody Angland.
The 28-year-old has competed against the best bronc riders in the world, but Wagga's Pro Rodeo this Saturday will be one of a few rodeos he competes in this season.
Always the fierce competitor Angland is still eying off the Australian titles in Caboolture in May, but he won't have his normal gruelling schedule.
"I'm shooting for an Australian title this year and my number one goal is to bring home the big buckle," Angland said.
"Other than that rodeo-wise I'm just trying to slow down a little bit, go to the odd ones I pick and choose."
Injuries have been the main reason for the slow down with Angland to spend more time stocking on a large property near Boggabri than be on the circuit full-time.
"I'm getting a little bit older and with injuries to my knees I'm trying to look after my body," Angland said.
"I didn't take much notice of that when I was younger and went way too hard, rode injured too many times and now I'm paying for that."
After only competing in the saddle bronc competition at Tumbarumba's New Year's Day rodeo due to a back injury, Angland is entered in both the saddle bronc and the bareback riding.
"I was pretty sore at Christmas but everything is going a lot better now," Angland said.
"I've had six weeks off, feeling fresh and I haven't been on one since Christmas actually."
Drawn to ride Midnight Blue in the saddle bronc competition, Angland is relishing to get aboard one of the best horses in the country.
"I've got a great, great horse there this weekend so it should be good," Angland said.
"She's a great mare, outstanding really and no one has really rode her lately she's been throwing everyone.
"Fingers crossed I come with my a game and put a big 90 on the board."
Naming the Brad Pierce and Tyler Pendergast as his main rivals the Wantabadgery product is again looking forward to compete in front of his home crowd.
"It's good to come home and get to ride in front of family and friends and everyone we grew up with so it will be great," Angland said.
"I come home for Christmas and the Wagga Rodeo and the odd occasion, but I stay away working most of the year."
WAGGA'S Pro Rodeo is shaping as the biggest in the event's history with more than double the entrants from last year set to compete in Saturday's event.
Cowboys and cowgirls from across the country will converge on Wagga to compete for $25,000 in prize money.
The one-day rodeo will include bareback riding, bronc riding, bull riding, barrel races, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, rope and tie and team roping.
Event organiser John Gill couldn't be more pleased with how the preparations have been going.
"I know after every rodeo you say it's going to be bigger and better next year this one it is better and bigger," Gill said.
"We've had wonderful assistance from the council.
"The arena looks good, the weather looks very good with 30 degrees so it won't be too hot."
Gill applauded the work done by council to accommodate the rodeo at Equex with more power boxes installed and extra facilities to accommodate the expected crowd.
Gill was also pleased to see a high number of bull riders coming to the event, with 15 nominated to compete in the feature event.
All the bulls to be used in the competition are all born and bred in the Riverina by Gill and his sons at their property at The Rock with national champion War Chief among the bulls to be used.