Tooloombilla Campdraft and Rodeo delights locals

A fabulous weekend was had by everyone at the 45th Tooloombilla Rodeo, Campdraft and Gymkhana.

After recent rain the grounds looked beautiful and green and the cattle were in great condition. It was great weather and a massive crowd enjoyed all the entertainment on offer and the great facilities at the grounds due to the hard work of the committee and the sponsors.

There was three days of action with three arenas going and the exciting rodeo events under lights on Saturday night.

The feature campdraft and bronc ride was spectacular to watch as the sun set. Fourteen riders, 12 brave men and this year for the first time, two very brave women, signed up to compete in a combined event.

The campdraft component at dusk was followed up by the the saddle bronc section under lights. This was won by Wade Seeds, Barcaldine, second was Tom Webster, a new local from Timor, Injune. In third place was Fred Stanford, Surat, and fourth was Damien Brennan, a young local and committee member from Forfar, Mitchell. Roma ladies Tracey Porter and Mackenzie Patch both did well in the event and were very close to being place getters. This was their first bucking event. When asked whether they would do it again it was a definite yes from both.

The bucking bulls didn’t disappoint and were too good for the riders with no scores. Tom Webster won the open saddle ride with an excellent ride with a 74 and lots of cheering. Ben Walsh won the bareback ride and Damien Brennan won the open steer ride. Damien Brennan took home the All Round Cowboy Award.

Tracey Porter from Roma was the All Round Cowgirl. She won the barrel races and steer undecorating and was a busy girl all weekend.

The Under 16 Maranoa Challenge was won by Georgia Anderson from Roma and Molly Irwin came second. Tricia Krienke won the open with great flat work and obstacle course skills.

There was plenty of campdraft action. It was a great weekend for Carolyn Roberts, Forfar, Mitchell. She won the Royal Flying Doctor Open Draft on Pigeon and She won the novice draft on Miss Money Penny.

Record numbers of kids rode in the gymkhana on Sunday. Proceeds from the event will go to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the local Injune and Mitchell Ambulance.

Queensland Country Life, Sally McGilvray