Rodeo Club members spent the week preparing the grounds for the event. As usual they were thrown a few last minute hurdles which they managed to overcome including a delayed start on the day of 45 minutes due to faulty stop watches. But, as the day rolled on the action picked up and the event ran smoothly and finished ahead of schedule with plenty of thrills and spills to keep the crowd entertained.

The crowd of approximately 1600 peaked in the early afternoon to watch the 280 competitors battle it out in the arena for timed and roughstock event titles, and they weren’t disappointed.  

The Open Bull Ride as always was a crowd pleaser with Jason O’Hearn of Tamworth making the 84 point winning ride on Moruya Bull ‘G-Force’. Four locals competed including Tim Amey of Majors Creek who came 3rd on Diamond H Rodeo Co. bull ‘Maximum Rat’ with a score of 82.

In the Novice Bull, local competitor Stu Orford was one of only 3 competitors to ride time with a score of 73, putting him in second place, 2 points behind the winner.

Tumut broncs were in fine form with Dee Heinemann delivering a winning ride on ‘Black Andrew’ in the Bareback and Luke Morgan taking first prize on ‘Small Event’ in the Saddle Bronc.

The Local Steer Ride was as entertaining as ever. Cattle donated by Glendaruel Pastoral Co. were the platform for a few local show ponies to have their best shot at some miniature bull riding, such as Chris Corcoran of Majors Creek who worked a cartwheel into his routine. Last minute competitor Michael Laurie won the event.

Locals and horses also featured in the Stocksaddle Buckjump which was won by Cameron Bradley who surprised both himself and his peers by cracking the whip and riding time. Rodeo Club President Wade Sephton made a slightly disappointing but 4th place winning comeback to bronc riding in the Stocksaddle Buckjump when he drew a horse that was better suited to mustering the arena. 

Local ladies also had a crack at the rodeo. Elizabeth Krijnen and Courtney McKinley competed in the Ladies Barrel Race and the Local Barrel Race was won by Melissa Knight.

When the show was over, 250 people attended the Finals dinner and presentation. Tim Amey of Majors Creek was awarded the Southern Zone Rookie Steer Wrestling title and Open Bull title and Courtney McKinley of Majors Creek was awarded the Southern Zone Rookie Barrel Racing title.

The ‘Lumpy Underdaks’ played some fantastic tunes keeping party cowpeeps on the dancefloor until the early hours of the morning.