Show your chance to give rodeo a go

A bull rider stays on at the 2011 rodeo. Photo/Supplied

Raetihi's annual rodeo means an action-packed weekend coming up from Friday through to Sunday.

Events for local people kick off at 6pm on Friday and everyone is invited to get down there and have a crack.

Organiser Minnie Hall said everyone should "come on down and have a go".

"You can try your hand at barrel racing, steer or calf riding. There will be food available at the grounds on the Friday."

The committee is expecting a good turnout of competitors and spectators for the weekend, which means a good start for points for the upcoming rodeo season, she said.

"Again this year we have the big, bucking bulls from H&R Contracting, which come from properties in our area.

"The Waimarino Rodeo supply the majority of our own horses, which have been to a few rodeos this year. These horses are generously grazed during the year by Atihau Whanganui Incorporation, Ted and Anne Bates and Tony MacLean.

"We have also got a few extra horses coming in from the Limmers and our own local Stuart Graham. The time event stock are being supplied by Huntly Rodeo and Cam Wenn."

The weekend will showcase a lot of our talented riders, as they compete for points in all events, such as rope and tie, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, bareback, saddle bronc and bull and calf rides, she said.

"It's going to be packed with all sorts of thrills and spills, so come on down y'all and have some fun."

The Waimarino Rodeo is at the Raetihi Showgrounds, SH4, Raetihi.