There may have been fewer spectators at the 47th Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo but the day was hailed a "huge success" by organisers.
Rerewhakaaitu Rodeo secretary Maxine Temoananui said Saturday's event attracted between 500 and 800 people, down on the usual numbers which can reach up to 1500.
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"The
weather kept a lot of people away. It was really cold and windy. It was threatening to rain. It was a little bit disheartening but it went really well ... It was a huge success."
Bull riding by some of the less experienced cowboys, steer wrestling and open bare back horse riding were among some of the highlights of the event at the Rerewhakaaitu Domain.
Calf riding for the youngsters was also popular with Taupo's Clifford Fogerty a standout performer.
Other impressive performers were members of Rerewhakaaitu's Church family Darryl and Corey.
Much to Mrs Moananui's relief this year's event was void of the major incidents of the previous year.
At last year's event Rotorua bullriders had to tackle a bull to the ground as it escaped into a crowd of spectators. In January last year a horse collapsed and died from a suspected heart attack in front of 11,000 spectators.
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RESULTS
Open bareback - Daryl Church, 1, Rex Church, 2, Te Orumene Melanie Church, 3; Open saddle bronc - Clarry Church, 1, Garrick Scally, 2, Corey Church/Paul Robinson, 3; Open steer wrestling - Rex Church, 1, Brett McCorkindale, 2, Robert Church, 3; Open bull ride - Ramoan Neho, 1, DJ Church, 2, Andrew Jamieson, 3; Open barrel race - Bridget Kershaw, 1, Kimberley Coulter, 2, Melanie Church, 3; Open rope and tie - Anthony Perkins, 1, Michael Sanderson, 2, Buster Tauariki, 3; Open team roping - Daniel Kennedy/Jane Dromgol, 1, Minta Pryor/Kurtis Pryor, 2, Clarry Church/Cody Davis, 3; Second division saddle bronc - Troy Stevenkson, 1 Paul Putab, 2, Jared Mee, 3; Second division barrel race - Rachael Third, 1, Lori Yates, 2, Kelly Vincent, 3; Junior barrel race - Shaun Tahau, 1, Cheyanne Church, 2, Presley McCorkindale, 3; Local barrel race - Hunter Jackson, 1, Fern Brown, 2, Grace Watson, 3; Youth steer ride - Whaiora Raharui, 1, CJ Church, 2, Bradley Lanigan, 3; Calf ride - Clifford Fogerty, 1: Second division bull ride - Paddy Church, 1, Merv Church Jnr/Ernie Rika, 2.
