There was plenty of entertaining action on the bill at the Easter Rodeo at the Oruru Valley Saleyards on Saturday and organisers noted the event was well supported by both riders and spectators, a relatively reasonable turnout in the latter case given all the other events happening in Taipa onthe day, including the traditional Easter Egg hunt at Doubtless Bay.
With all the advertised events reporting strong registrations, much talk on the day was about a trio of local equestrians claiming a variety of national rodeo titles this year, to add to the four brought to the Far North last year.
Being presented with buckles at the upcoming NZRCA season finale will be Mangamuka 13-year-old Bradley Lanigan winning the NZRCA youth steer ride championship (for riders under 16), Paihia's Daniel Kennedy winning the 2nd division rookie rope-and-tie and rookie header titles, and Broadwood's Daniel McCready taking out the rookie steer-wrestling championship.
Other notable local performers on the national circuit this year were Bradley's older brother, Klay, just missing out on the rookie saddle bronc title, and also breaking into the open division ranks; while Gabriel O'Callaghan of Kaitaia finished 3rd in the rookie barrel race standings on Mars and also breaking into the open division after only one season contesting 2nd division events.
More from the Easter Rodeo at Oruru Valley Saleyards will feature next week along with event results; while images from the day's early action can be viewed on the Age website.
