RIVERINA and southern NSW competitors are some of the ones to watch during the traditional Christmas run of rodeos.
The traditional Christmas run which kicks off at Myrtleford in Victoria on Boxing Day attracts Australia’s best competitors.
Riders affiliated with the Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) battle it out across a series of events in northern Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Southern NSW to earn cash, points and prizes.
APRA executive chairman Lee Kimber said Table Top rider Stephanie Gard and Vicki Schiller of Harefield were two competitors to watch on the Christmas run this year. He said seven rodeos will feature during the two weeks of the run. And he described Schiller and Gard as being serious contenders in the competition.
Gard won the APRA all around cowgirl title two months ago and Schiller is competing at Myrtleford after winning several titles throughout the years.
“The all around win this year by Gard was on top of breakaway roping title wins in 2013 and 2014,” he said. Cherie O’Donoghue of Lockington will also be a dominant force.
She who won the breakaway roping title this year and has the most all around APRA titles among the cowgirls who compete in multiple
“Tooma cowboy Brad Pierce will be one to watch after winning this year’s saddle bronc title and is also contesting the bull ride at Myrtleford,” Mr Kimber said.
“His toughest opponents in the saddle bronc will be Millmerran, Queensland, pair, John McNamee and Peter Moffatt, while Sally Malay will be hard to beat in the bull ride,” he said.
Malay won both bull rides at the Rosewood Rodeo earlier this month so will start the Christmas run at Myrtleford as one of the favourites.
PROGRAM:
- December 26 – Myrtleford Golden Spurs Rodeo (Vic);
- December 27 – Carrieton (SA);
- January 1 – Alton Downs Double Dip (Qld);
- January 1 – Tumbarumba 71st Rodeo (NSW);
- January 2 – Yarrawonga (Vic);
- January 8 – Finley (NSW);
- January 9 – Beechworth (Vic) and Carrick Bull Ride and Rodeo Spectacular (Tas).
