About 2300 people attended the annual event, celebrating its 52nd year, to watch 212 competitors including internationals from the USA, Uruguay, Canada and Australia across 13 events at the Lake Rerewhakaaitu Domain.
The rodeo is viewed by some as controversial and recently an animal advocacy organisation called for a boycott of three Bay of Plenty rodeos - including today's. But Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo committee member Christine Church, who also competed in the open barrel race, said although there had been a decline since the "rodeo heydays" of the 70s and 80s, it was an important event for the community.
"I grew up around horses and it's in the family," she said. "It's really important because an event like this highlights a lot of talent that doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
"Yes it's an extreme sport but for a lot of us this is a lifestyle. I got a good run out today, I just wasn't fast enough.
"I remember a time when the banks were completely packed out here. The numbers are falling back a bit and I think that's because people are very selective about what events they go to in this financially tough time."
Brett McCorkindale grabs the bull by the horns at the Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo. PHOTO/ BEN FRASER
Mrs Church's community sentiment was backed up by Paengaroa's Tracey-Anne Taylor, 46, whose father Don Taylor was a founding member of the Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo and a champion steer wrestling slack rider.
"It's great because a lot of families are involved and there's a lot of tradition around the event," Mrs Taylor said. "It's good to see the action and animals and humans working together.
She added that the open bull ride was the most "thrilling" event to watch; "It's hugely impressive and so exciting to see."
The lure of an action-packed day at the Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo also pulled in first-time spectators including Rotorua's Sarah Tuerena, 52, who said she would certainly return next year.
Image 1 of 12: Kurtis Pryor.
"I decided to come because a lot of my friends were coming and I also knew a few people competing," she said. "It's been very pleasant and relaxing. You've definitely got to see the bucking bulls, what's the point in coming if you don't?"
The rodeo pulled in big-name cowboys - with the event part of the October to March season circuit, with riders accumulating points to participate in the national finals.
This included Canadian Wyatt Anton, who said he enjoyed the rodeo despite having a bad day in the saddle competing in the open steer wrestling.
"It was tough out there it didn't go as planned," he said. "But luckily there's more rodeos in the season. I've still had a great day like it always is. This is certainly one of the top rodeos on the calendar."
As well as the top cowboys, there was also top stock on display such as the premier Parklee bucking bulls and "exceptional" bucking horses taking the centre stage.
The next rodeo on the circuit takes place tomorrow in Gisborne, followed by one in Opotiki on Wednesday and the Taupo event on December 29.
52nd Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo event winners:
2nd Division barrel race: Lucia Eugui (Uruguay) Junior barrel race: Amy Taylor (Waihi) Local barrel race: Natalie Sands (Rerewhakaaitu) Junior steer ride: Rylee Ward (Otane) Open bareback bronc ride: Daryl Talo Church (Rerewhakaaitu) Open tie-down: Aaron Church Senior (Taupo) Open saddle bronc ride: Graeme Gannon (Tutira) Open barrel race: Bonnie Fogarty (Taupo) Open steer wrestling: Bradley Lannigan (Kaitaia) Open team roping: Bradley Lannigan & Klay Lannigan (Kaitaia) Open bullride: Paddy Church (Turangi)
