The region is set to benefit from a new plan to attract a better calibre of competitors, and therefore more spectators, to the rodeos across the district this April.
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Endorsed by the Australian Pro Rodeo Association, the Western Rivers Rodeo Series will incorporate the Deniliquin, Finley and Homebush rodeos.
The partnership is believed to be a first of its kind in Australia.
It is an idea that has been swirling in the mind of Deniliquin Rodeo president Greg Rourke for years, causing sleepless nights and endless plans.
And now it has become reality.
The individual committees of the three rodeo events have been working together on the proposal while also organising their own events.
Mr Rourke said was pleased to finally reveal the plans.
“This will be a first of it’s kind in Australia with bonus payouts for competitors participating in all three events,” Mr Rourke said.
“I thought of it a few years ago when asking myself how do we get more competitors - more cowboys and cowgirls - to our local areas.
“More money will attract better riders.
“Each rodeo has their individual prize money and if they compete in all three there is bonus prize money on offer.
“Attracting more competitors also attracts the best stock and allows us to put on a show annually for the communities which will boost the local economies.
“Gary McPhee will supply the stock for all three events, which is huge in itself as he has the best bucking stock.”
To be eligible for the bonus, competitors must compete at all three rodeos.
If there is an equal score, the bonus will be divided equally.
Points will be awarded to the winners and place getters of these events as per the APRA prize money scale.
Also new this year is the Bob Berg Buckle, which will be awarded to the APRA junior all around cowgirl and cowboy.
The junior winner must compete in more than one junior event at all three rodeos.
The Western Rivers Rodeo Series bonus prize money will be awarded at the Homebush Rodeo, which is the last of the three to be held.
It is valued at $3000 and will be awarded to the person with the highest score, who has competed in two or more of the rodeo events - open bull ride, open steer wrestling, ladies barrel race, open bareback bronc ride, open saddle bronc ride and second division rough stock.
The tri series kicks off with the Deniliquin Rodeo on Easter Saturday, April 8, and continues with the Finley Rodeo on Easter Sunday, April 9.
The Homebush Rodeo will be held a few weeks later, on Saturday, April 22.
“Our Deni Rodeo will be a massive Easter event catering for all the locals and large volume of visitors that Easter attracts,” Mr Rourke said.
“It will be action packed, and we have a few extra features that will be unveiled leading up to the event.”
More details of each event will be available on each rodeos’ individual Facebook pages.
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