A Holiday in a Place You Have Never Heard Of
Taralga NSW
One of the best rodeos in the Southern Zone Association is held in Taralga on Australia Day weekend each year. Taralga is located about 2 hours from Canberra and you will face some dirt roads to get there.
The action starts with a Campdraft and Yard Dog trials on Saturday and finished with the Rodeo on Sunday.
This event is suitable for adults and children, but its a long hot weekend for spectators so bring plenty of water and a hat.
The Campdraft on Saturday is a demonstration of both a rider and horse's skill. The horse and rider work together to complete a set manouver with a beast and their run is judged by a number of expert riders.
The competitors are awarded points and prize money allocated accordingly.
If your after action and injuries its the rodeo on Sunday that you want to see. Some of Australia's best cowboys and cowgirls are competing for big money and precious circuit points that can gelp get them to the finals. You can witness the quick reaction times of the team ropers and the bravery of bull roders all before the lunch break.
For an idea of what the sport of rodeo is like check out theabove PBR Australian National Final Highlights video.
For an idea of what the sport of rodeo is like check out theabove PBR Australian National Final Highlights video.
The view from 'the hill' where non-competitors sit is great and there are side show style attractions for the kids. If your so inclined there are Western wear shops from which you can buy a rodeo hat, Wranglers or boots to fit right in with the locals.
Your accomodation choices are a bit limited. I recommend the free camping on Saturday night and staying right through to Monday morning. All you need is a swag and a change of clothes. There are showers and electricity on the grounds and you can get a meal in the township if you don't feel like a steak sandwich from the BBQ. There is music, entertainment and no shortage of bars located on the grounds. If you get in early you might get a room at the Taralga Hotel.
Proceeds from the Rodeo go to local community enterprises, particulary the local aged care home.
Barrel Racing Image courtesy of the Goulburn Post
Is this all true?? (Sorry but you just never know with the stuff you read on websites these days ...)
ReplyDeleteAnyway as I read this post I feel a sense of destiny - the dinner conversation last night included rodeos, and NONE of the table occupants under the age of 30 had ever been to a rodeo. So if it's as good as you suggest, I might just make my way to Taralga in 2014.