By JO HARRISON
BUCKING thrills and spills will have visitors to the 2013 Armidale Four Seasons Rodeo captivated as the state’s top riders compete in the popular event held at the Armidale Showground on Saturday 16 November.
Among the contingent of competitors will be Walcha local Carl Green who claimed the 2013 ABCRA All Round Cowboy and Bull Ride and Saddle Bronc National Titles in Tamworth earlier this year.
Fresh off a tour of Canada competing on the rodeo circuit, Carl is looking forward to putting in a couple of good rides in an event that he admits he hasn’t shone at previously.
“In the three or four times I have competed in Armidale I haven’t done well,” he said.
“I would like to put on a much better show for everyone this year.”
From a young age Carl was competing in pony club events and campdrafts and had his first bull ride on a poddy calf at eight years of age. Now 25 yeard old, he divides his time up as a farrier working in the Walcha district and competing in rodeo events. He has spent the last three months in Canada with his friend and fellow competitor Luke Morgan.
“There are a lot of good riders in Australia but competing Canada is just a lot more competitive with the overall standard much higher and better stock,” Carl said.
In his first week in Canada, Carl competed in an event in Manatoba in Southern Canada winning the Bull Ride and the Bronc ride.
“Winning my first event was a real confidence-booster and I was able to learn some more skills throughout the three months I was in Canada,” he said.
Now back in Australia and ready to compete in Armidale, Carl is looking forward to catching up with his fellow riders which he says is one of the reasons he loves the rodeo.
“I love the thrill of riding but one of the best parts of the rodeo is catching up with people you haven’t seen for a while.”
The Armidale Four Seasons Rodeo will be held at the Armidale Showground on Saturday 16 November. Gates open 9am with main event commencing at 2pm until around 8.30pm. A junior rodeo will follow on Sunday from 9am to 12pm. Adults $15, child under 12, $5 and family $35.
