Mervyn's 19-year-old grandson, Mervyn Junior, recently won the inaugural Professional Bull Riders New Zealand Cup in Christchurch. The talented bull rider triumphed over national champions from Australia, the USA and Canada, plus the current world champion, Silvano Alves, from Brazil.
Mervyn Junior will saddle up on Boxing Day, along with riders from around New Zealand.
"This is the first event in the North Island summer rodeo circuit so it's a big deal," Jean said. "And of course we're very proud our rodeo has reached its 50th year. It will be a very special celebration.
"We're hoping for a crowd of 3000 to 4000 people. "
Bronc riding involves riding on the back of a horse while it's trying to buck you off; steer wrestling sees a horse rider chase a calf across the ring before lassooing it and hog-tying it up against the clock; while barrel racing is another timed event where you ride a horse around three barrels in a clover-leaf pattern as quickly as possible.
"We have 250 members of our rodeo club and there will be kids as young as 5 competing on the day," she says.
Face painting, merry-go-round rides, laughing clowns and food stalls will also be on offer. "It's not all about being in the ring and watching bucking bulls and horses," Jean said.
"People involved in rodeo have a real love of animals. It's about learning how to ride, how to care for the animals and how to groom the horses. These animals become part of you."
Rodeo has a strong following in New Zealand, with an estimated 500 clubs and 35 affiliated events run by the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association every year.
"Rodeo's been around forever. It's a really big sport. People say it's a dangerous sport but it's not. These animals are very well cared for and are bred for this purpose.
"We're looking forward to showing people what it's all about."
-The rodeo is at the Rerewhakaaitu Domain, 91 Ash Pit Rd, 9.30am-3.30pm. Entry is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
