The annual Forbes Rodeo is proving itself to be one of Forbes’ favourite events for the year and the 2016 event did not disappoint. Committee member, Troy Read, although exhausted from the huge weekend, was very happy and felt that the crowd attending was the best so far.
The committee have worked tirelessly over the past months to provide the best possible facilities for competitors and spectators and have been rewarded for their efforts with some extremely positive feedback. Many of the top Barrell Racers in the country commented on the particularly high standard of the arena, which boasted an exceptional surface for their horses, allowing them to compete to the best of their ability with minimal risk of injury.
A clash of dates with Rodeo’s near Tamworth and Yass saw a drop in Professional riders attending but this was more than compensated by a huge increase in novice competitors which was very pleasing to see. Rodeo is a competitive sport that arose from the working practices of cattle herding in Spain and Mexico. It involves horses and other livestock and is designed to test the skill and speed of the cowboys and cowgirls in two basic categories: rough stock events (Bull riding etc.) and timed events (Barrel racing, Steer un-decorating etc.)
Mr Read made special mention of the many local sponsors who support this event, “without them we would not be able to continue” he said. The committee are looking forward to continuing to bring this event to Forbes which attracts visitors from far and wide and increases the town’s economy in
the process. The committee see a great future for the Forbes Rodeo and are working towards a permanent home for the event at the old Rodeo grounds located at Botanical Gardens.