Rodeo doesn’t just have an American History; but a strong Australian one too! It has been part of the Australian outback life since the 1850’s, and is colloquially known as ‘rough riding’.
The U.S. increased the popularity of Rodeo in the late 1800’s with their travelling circuses and Wild West shows. The most reknowned from this time being George Wirth and the famous Wirth Family Circus.
Queensland have been the main Australian State to support and participate in Rodeo. There is a National Rodeo Council of Australia that oversees and organises Annual National Rodeo Finals.
There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into making sure Rodeos happen. Just like any Horse Event. There are steers, bulls, broncs and horses to be organised, transported and perhaps even trained prior if they are unfamiliar with Rodeo Life. There are the Arena, Chutes and Holding Yards to be assembled (if they are not permanent at the grounds where the event is being held). There are clowns to be placed bravely at the ready, Vendors to be booked and many competitors entries to be assorted into order.
There is no question that there are still many cowgirls and cowboys who follow the National and State circuits to this day, and that at each Rodeo they will have a crowd to cheer them on, adding to the electric atmosphere that only Rodeo can create.
Image courtesy of the National Rodeo Council of Australia.
– Skye Pickering Dip. Horse Business Management