The cowboys won’t be the only ones holding on for dear life at the Richmond Rodeo at the A and P Showground in Richmond on Saturday.
The future of the Richmond Rodeo itself will also be hanging in the balance with organisers saying this year’s edition could be the last unless a big crowd turns out to save the day.
Club president Ian Parkes says the rodeo has been losing money for the last three years and a fourth consecutive loss could spell the end for the event.
Ian says the main reason for the losses has been the increasing costs associated with staging the rodeo, combined with crowd numbers which have remained static at about 2000.
“All the people who help out are volunteers but we still have to pay to get the officials here and provide their accommodation. We also have to transport the bulls up from North Canterbury and the broncs from Waimate and pay prize money for the competitors.
“A lot of the administration costs have gone up, too. It used to cost us $70 for a liquor licence now it costs us $700, so it all adds up.
“We’ve lost money for the last three years and we’ve all just about had enough. If we don’t have a successful rodeo on Saturday and get a big crowd, it could be the last one.”
Ian says the club has been also been battling “unfounded” negative publicity created by animal rights group SAFE which has had a “small impact” on support from sponsors. He says SAFE’s criticism that rodeo is cruel to animals is misguided, and that the bulls and broncs on the rodeo circuit are “well looked after and respected and lead good lives”.
“We have had the bulls stay on our farm and they are that quiet they will eat out of your hand. They wouldn’t do that if they were scared or timid or wild.
“The alternative for many of the rodeo animals is much crueller too. Some of the broncs would be dog tucker by now if they weren’t rodeo horses.”
Richmond Rodeo Club secretary Tina Angus-Phyn says the rodeo has always been a popular stop on the summer rodeo circuit, attracting many of the country’s top cowboys and cowgirls, and this Saturday’s edition is no exception. Glamorous Australian Rodeo Queen Latoya Wards will be a special guest at the rodeo while a number of Nelson showjumping riders will be saddling up for the barrel racing.
Tina says there will also be prizes for the best dressed pre-school and primary school-aged children in the Miss Cowgirl and Mr Cowboy contest. Tina says the contest will start at about 2pm and contestants can enter on the day.
The rodeo will be held at the A & P Showgrounds in Richmond starting at 1pm. Tickets are available at the Richmond Mall or at the gate, with entry costing $15 for adults, $10 for college students, intermediate children $5, primary school children free and family passes $45.
A post-rodeo party, featuring the band Kicks will be held at Armadillos on Queen St in Richmond from 6pm, with all welcome.
