Yass Rodeo Corey Nicholson, Ben Boyton, Alex and Dean Tyson. Absent: Nat Boyton, Wade Nichelle, Ash (treasurer) & Clay Bush.
This past weekend, the Yass Showgrounds came alive as over 2,000 spectators gathered for an action-packed day of bull riding at the annual Yass Bucking Bulls Rodeo event. From junior riders to seasoned professionals, the event brought together the best in the sport, offering a thrilling spectacle that left the crowd on the edge of their seats. Ben Boyton, Vice President of the Yass Region Rodeo Association, expressed his excitement about the event’s success, noting how far the community has come since the formation of a new committee dedicated to the rodeo.
“We started a new committee with lots of dedicated people, and the event showed the passion we have for rodeo,” Boyton said.
The Saturday rodeo saw over 100 bulls compete, with many of them demonstrating some of the wildest bucking action.
Contractors from across the region were in attendance, training the bulls that would one day be ridden in the ring. Boyton noted that this year’s event featured a record number of rider bulls, alongside a new addition to the event, about 25 junior riders, all of whom got the chance to show their skills.
The crowd was as enthusiastic as ever, and it was clear that the community’s love for the sport is growing. “We had over 2,000 people through the gate, which shows how much the community enjoys these events,” Boyton said. “We also had over 16 vendors, so there was something for everyone to enjoy.”
The event’s success can also be credited to its sponsors, who played a vital role in ensuring everything ran smoothly. “Our sponsors really came through for us this year,” Boyton explained. “We had a VIP seating area for sponsors and great service, and we’ve had nothing but positive feedback from them and the fans. We can’t run these events without them.”
Although Boyton didn’t personally enter any bulls in the competition, he credited the rodeo’s president, Dean, and secretary, Alex Tyson, for their involvement as bull contractors. The duo brought about 10 bulls of their own to the event, showcasing their expertise in the field. The event featured three rounds of junior rider events, followed by the signature bucking bull competitions. This year’s rodeo included a yearly cutaway, a derby, and a classic, all of which showcased the top bulls and riders in the region.
The competition’s scoring system is unique, with both the rider and the bull being scored separately. Each is given up to 50 points, and the combined total of those scores makes up the rider’s final score. “We had some real top-tier bulls and riders this year,” Boyton shared.
“Some of the bulls were champions from last year, and we had a number of top 10 riders from across Australia join us for the event.”
One of the standout partnerships this year was with 42casts, a local charity that made a significant impact on the event. What started as a simple request to sell raffle tickets grew into a full-fledged partnership, with 42casts providing 15 volunteers to help set up, pack up, and run the event.
In return, the rodeo was able to donate $2,000 to the charity, highlighting the strong community spirit that defines the Yass Rodeo.
“Thanks to 42casts for all their help. We couldn’t have done it without them, and it’s great to know that we were able to support a great cause through this event,” Boyton said.
-Liam Stuart
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.
