Big bulls arrive for riding contest at A&P Show

Open competitor Max Hornblow at last year's bull riding event at the CHB A&P Show.

Parklee Bucking Bulls is bringing another team of 28 specially-bred big bulls to the CHB A&P Show this weekend for Saturday night's bull riding competition.

Shane Bird of Parklee Bucking Bulls said spectators could expect to see some great athletic bucking bulls doing their best to dislodge their riders at the Waipukurau event, the first in the seven-round 2017/18 Parklee Bullride Series.

"The bulls have had a good winter and are all looking fit and ready to go," he said.
"The first event is always the most exciting because the riders and bulls are all the freshest and excited to be back in the arena."

Bird said the bulls were from Parklee's Kimbolton farm, where they have been bred for the last 10 years specifically for bull riding competitions.

Bulls travelling Waipukurau for this year's show included the current Bucking Bull of the year, Geronimo, up-and- comers Crank It Up, Jason Bourne and Sweet Child of Mine, as well as old campaigners Madcap and Catscan.

As of last week, there were 18 riders entered in the open division, 16 riders in the second division and two junior steer riders.

Shane said riders to watch included Chad Ormsby, last year's NZ Rodeo Cowboys Association Rookie Bullriding Champion and reigning Parklee Bullride Series champion, and Johnson Davis, a two-time NZ bullriding champion .

"Lane Whitelock from Te Aute is another rider who will be stepping up into the Open and has been riding pretty hot in the lower ranks over the last year or so," Bird said.

Bird said the action would start around 6pm with the second division and junior steer riders, and would finish around 9.30pm under lights with the open section.

"Last year saw the biggest crowd ever at the Waipukurau Bullride so get there early for a good seat," said Bird.

Gates for the Waipukurau Parklee Bull Ride open at 5pm. A selection of hot and cold food and drinks will be available. No BYO drinks are allowed but spectators are welcome to bring food.

Entry Prices: Adults $15, Children Under 15 Years $5, Under 5's Free, Family Pass (2 Adults & 3 Children) $35.