Aspiring rodeo stars will have the opportunity to build their roping skills at a Beginners Roping come-and-try day on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mount Isa Rodeo Series, are calling on new opponents join in the skill building day before competing in rodeo events.
Mount Isa Rodeo Series secretary and treasurer, Janessa Bidgood, said Mount Isa lacked events like this to give people the skills to compete in rodeo events successfully.
“So we wanted to create an environment where people could start to learn roping before we start to get back into competition season,” Bidgood said.
“The event is focused on roping in general but in a comfortable environment where skills could be broken down and explained.
“We will start on a dummy cow tied to the back of a bike and depending on the capability of the rider we may change the pace. We want to start at the basics as individuals may not be ready to practice on live cattle yet.”
Bidgood said team roping and breakaway roping would also be covered, with a few fun novelty events including pole bending and barrel racing.
“There was a huge demand for a come-and-try day like this to be held in Mount Isa,” she said.
“Cloncurry host a lot of these events and Cloncurry have a lot of developed ropers and it is because of these training days that there are so many skilled ropers.”
The Beginners Roping Day targets all ages and capabilities, with a kids roping dummy for the young ones who cannot ride a horse yet.
Nominations start at $20 for team roping, allowing three runs. Jackpot prize money is also up for grabs.
“We have received early nominations showing the high amount of interest in the day, but we are also accepting nominations on Saturday morning,” Bidgood said.
“To participate in the day competitors must be a member of Australian Team Roping Association (ATRA) or a day member. Competitors must also be capable of riding a horse to some degree.”
Bidgood encouraged riders who may be unsure, haven’t ridden or roped well to rest easy knowing there would be plenty of experienced ropers willing to help.
“It is something that we love doing, so we would like to see the sport flourish,” she said.
“Especially being in the rodeo capital of Australia we would like to see locals getting involved in any rodeo event. If you’re unable to attend this event, we hope to host more events like this after the new year.”
The Beginners Roping Day will be held at Lagoon Park on Bendall Drive, starting Saturday at 8am. For more information contact Janessa Bidgood on 0429 855 734 or email nessyandwill@gmail.com