IN just three years the Beechworth rodeo has grown to be a key fixture on the Christmas Run pro circuit.
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On Saturday more than 3000 spectators ringed the Mayday Hills arena for a high-paced evening of stock action.
“It was the biggest attendance we’ve had and the biggest list of competitors as well, upwards of 250 competitors I'd say,” rodeo president Maree Anstee said.
“They came from all over Australia and we had a couple of pro riders from Canada and a lady from Germany who does steer wrestling.
“It’s definitely been growing.
"We've got a pretty good local committee. There's a lot of people who give up a lot of their time to prepare the arena and things like that, which is great because it's hours and hours of work.”
A highlight at Beechworth was the inaugural children’s cowboys skills sessions.
Organisers were swamped with budding cowgirls and boys keen to learn the ropes, and had no shortage of expects keen to pass on their skills and advice.
“The boys showed them how to do up a bull rope and how to sit, they went through the processes with them,” Miss Anstee said.
"They went through the same process bareback riding and same with the roping."
"I think we ended up with about 35 kids and even some of the kids who were competing in the rodeo came along as well.
"There was a few young ropers who got in there and learned the bull riding side of things as well.”
We ended up with about 35 kids and even some of the kids who were competing in the rodeo came along.
- Maree Anstee
The Australian Professional Rodeo Association Christmas Run covers seven rodeos between Boxing Day and January 9, with five in the North East or southern Riverina.
Darling Downs cowboy John McNamee, one of several pro rodeo competitors who made the trip south in the search of for championship points on the Christmas Run, collected all around honours at Beechworth.
The Millmerran saddle bronc rider won the all around male competitor with a strong showing in the saddle bronc and rope and tie categories.
Goulburn cowgirl Emma Peters collected the all around woman title, with impressive runs in the barrel race and breakaway roping.
The prestigious all around buckles were awarded to competitors who won the most prizemoney in more than one event.
Rodeo circuit veteran John P. Gill and Sons, of The Rock, provided stock at Beechworth.
"Happy Gill also does the stock for Myrtleford and Tumbarumba,” Miss Anstee said.
“He's fantastic and has got some great bucking stock and great steers.
"He always puts on a great rodeo."
"Myrtleford is always on Boxing Day and Tumbarumba is always on New Year's Day so we try to run the following Saturday after New Year's Day."
