The sun was shining on Sandstone Point Hotel (15 October) for their 2nd Annual Rodeo.
There was not a cloud in the sky, just a whisper of wind and the raw scent of livestock and anticipation. In the centre of the undulating terrain that surrounds the Sandstone Point Hotel, was the main arena; filled with masses of red dirt set to provide that authentic dry and dusty cowboy experience.
Before the event officially began, the rodeo clowns kept the already swelling crowd entertained with their slapstick antics. The action commenced with Section 1 of the Under 18 Junior Bull Ride and Lane Mellers, a talented 16-year old from Rockhampton set the bar very high. With a back-breaking eight second ride, upon the aptly named Red Rage, Lane qualified with a score of 72 points. Although many of the junior riders gave it their all, Lane managed to dominate this division on the night.
Image © Kara Jade ConceptsNext on the bill was Section 1 of the Novice Bull Riders. Kilcoy’s Glen Philips rode out on a bull that got everybody’s attention. Named R-Rated, this bull proved to be a dangerous mix of bad-temper, agility and obstinacy. R-Rated left his rider in his wake and continued to storm around the arena snorting and pawing at the ground. This was a job for the pick-up men and cowboy protection unit to attempt to safely return the bull. Eventually R-Rated conceded defeat and was re-homed without causing any more trouble.
Image © Kara Jade ConceptsNext was Section 1 of the Saddle Riders competing upon some lively steeds: none livelier than Buffalo Bill. This bronc exuded attitude, attempting to dislodge his rider Peter Honeyman. However, Peter managed to dominate Bill and received a competition winning score of 81 points.
The time had arrived for the first section of the Open Bull Ride, the event everyone had been waiting for. With a warning from the Chute Boss to move as far as possible away from the fence, it was obvious these bulls were as cranky as these riders were serious. The crowd witnessed some jaw-dropping, bone-jarring rides and falls.
Image © Kara Jade ConceptsThe most memorable ride was that of the eventual runner-up on the day, Matthew Carlo riding Cocaine Cowboy. Twice decorated as ‘Bucking Bull Of The Year’ in 2012 and 2013, this animal was certainly going to make Matthew earn every point. The final result saw Matthew outlasting this cantankerous beast and scoring 79 well-earned points and second place.
During the break between sections, the cowgirls did their thing. The Barrel Races kept the crowd on their feet as both horse and rider pitted themselves against the stopwatch, striving to be the greatest. The cowboys then came back out with the Bareback Rides. These incredibly brave men ride mostly unbroken broncs, secured to their backs with only simple leather rigging. Dinny Moran, hailing from Tara, Queensland took out the event with a bronc-busting ride upon Black Betty.
Image © Kara Jade ConceptsIn what was definitely the cutest event of the day, the under 12s Poddy Rides stole the heart’s of even the most hardened cowboy/ cowgirl. Having waited all day, these kids gave it everything they had ensuring the future of rodeo is safe in their hands.
Image © Kara Jade ConceptsAs the competition heated up, the early spring air chilled and the spectators continued cheering and gasping as the rodeo reached its thrilling conclusion. The combination of award-winning venue, stunning Queensland weather and white-knuckle rodeo action made the 2nd Annual Rodeo at Sandstone Point a day to remember.
