Locals given chance to take bull by the horns

YEE-HAH: James Bruce is organising a bull riding event that locals can try their hand at. PHOTO/LAUREN HERTZBERG

Wairarapa's bravest will try their hand at bull riding next month.

Martinborough is having its first bull riding show on February 28, which will be held at the town's transport yard.

Martinborough Rugby Club will host the evening in conjunction with Parklee Bullride Series, a competition that travels around the country.

James Bruce, an organiser of the event, said there would be a range of divisions showcased and scored - one of which allows 10 locals to try the sport.

"There's also the second division guys and then there's the first division riders which are the top guys," he said.

Safety is a factor for newcomers to the sport so the Wairarapa volunteers will have the chance to prepare for the local section competition.

"We will be riding every weekend in February so they will know exactly what to do," Mr Bruce said.

Mr Bruce, a farmer with a hobby of bull riding, said a large turnout would be ideal.

"I went to a bull ride about a month ago and there was about 1000 people. We are hoping for 500 but we might get more," he said.

The event is a day before the second Martinborough Fair and Mr Bruce said Wellingtonians in town for the weekend should come along for some action.

"It's something that a lot of them may not have seen before."

Participants will be scored a maximum of 100 points, 50 for the rider and 50 for the bull, only if the ride is eight seconds or longer.

"You're just scored on how you spur it, how well you stay on it," Mr Bruce said.

A "bucking bull" will give riders more points, as it is more of a challenge to stay on.

Mr Bruce said because Wairarapa is a rural community, it's the sort of thing people like to watch.

"Hopefully we can make it an event that happens every year.

"There is no reason why not, as long as we get support," he said.