Saddle up for an Easter rodeo

An Australian Pro Rodeo Association event, points will be up for grabs for the best competitors.

It will feature all eight standard events in rodeo, classified as roughstock and timed events.

The three roughstock events are saddle bronc, bareback bronc and bull riding.

These events are scored independently by two judges. Up to 25 points are awarded to the animal by each judge for its bucking action, strength and degree of difficulty and a further possible 25 points to the contestant for his ‘style’.

The scores of the judges are added to give a score out of 100.

All roughstock events are scored over eight seconds, taken from when the animal clears the chutes. The cowboy needs to stay on board for the full eight seconds to make a qualifying ride.

The five timed events are steer wrestling, rope and tie, team roping, barrel racing and breakaway roping.

There are two common elements in all timed events, except the barrel race.

The animals are given a head start or ‘score’ into the arena from a special time event chute. The mounted contestant starts from behind a rope barrier, automatically tripped by the animal as it reaches the score release point.

The second element, subject to a number of time event penalties for faults, is that the fastest time in the event wins. In all time events, there is a 10 second penalty if the barrier is broken before the animal reaches the score line.

The contestant will also be disqualified for rough treatment of an animal in a time event.

The gates to the Finley Rodeo arena will open at 5pm, with action continuing through until about 11pm.

Children’s entertainment, a bar and food will be available.

Tickets are $40 for adults, $25 for aged pensioners, $10 for children ages 7-17, and free for younger children accompanied by an adult.

Jump the queue by pre-purchasing your rodeo tickets. Go to www.eventbrite.com.au and search ‘Finley Rodeo’.