AT 82-YEARS young, Bob Holder is still a regular contestant when it comes to rodeo season.
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The Cootamundra veteran has been attending rodeos since 1952, but each and every year he simply cannot wait to return.
"For me it's the whole point of coming north," he said. "All year around I wait for June, July and August."
This weekend, Holder will attend the Cloncurry Merry Muster, but he won't be merely spectating like most would expect at his age.
Holder has entered the team roping for over 55s and the veteran rodeo goer likes his chances.
"I just love it (team roping) so much," he said. "I got too old for the rest but I've been able to keep going with the team roping.
"We're trying hard but we will be going out to have a good time. Winning helps and we do hope to win too but we know we're up against the toughest in the country. Some of those blokes are really sleek and strong, there's certainly some very good team ropers here and they're all out to win."
Holder said his interest in rodeo began in 1946, and his love for the outback has not wiltered slightly since.
"I've always been connected with horses," he said.
"Whether it be wild horses or breaking them.
"When rodeo started we just went along with it and I haven't looked back since."
Holder believes the Mount Isa and Cloncurry events are among the best in the world.
"I honestly believe Mount Isa is the best rodeo ground in the world," he said.
"Fair dinkum and I've been all over the world watching rodeos.
"The ground here has some very successful people looking after it and they certainly know what they're doing."