Boddington Lyons Rodeo: turns out best riding, roping, ‘bulldogging’ and bucking talent in Australia

A record crowd of 7000 rodeo fans were on the edge of their seats as they watched all the thrills and spills at the 46th annual Boddington Lions Rodeo. The event, held on November 5, brought some of the best WA and Eastern States talent to the newly named Stan Sherry Arena to commenerate Mr Sherry’s 43 years as rodeo co-ordinator. National leader Mia Davies said Mr Sherry, in his Lions Club member role, had contributed greatly to raising funds for the local community. “They (Lions Club) have put the Boddington Rodeo on the map,” she said. “It’s an amazing event and the more than 200 competitors are a lot braver than I am.” The crowd applauded and wowed during the grand opening event as a team of riders, all carrying flags of rodeo country origins, galloped their horses in synchronized precision around the arena. WA rodeo queen Hunta Gallacher riding her horse It Wasnt Me — the number two barrel racing horse in the country - took a lap around the arena carrying the Australian flag. She ranks number one in the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association’s national standings for the 2022 All Round Cowgirl title. Greeting the crowd with a cowboy hat wave was Gingin competitior Wade McCarthy, who is leading in the ABCRA point standings for the 2022 All Round Cowboy title. McCarthy’s Boddington program included competing in five events to further his national lead, but mostly to “just have some fun”. “Its a great sport and the rodeo family are very supportive of each other,” he said. “WA is producing some top rodeo competitors with many in the top national point standings.” McCarthy placed fourth in the Bareback, five points out of the win from Queensland cowboy Travis Heeb, who was nationally ranked second but contends in a tight race with national points leader Gerard Oversby, of NSW, who placed second at Boddington. Also performing brillantly, Muchea cowboy Jack Collins scored a high 76 points winning the Saddle Bronc Ride. Collins was in ninth spot on the national standings, but should move up a notch or two after his winning ride. “My aim is to compete in the US next year,” he said. Wandering cowboy Brandon Van Zyl made a comeback win in the Open Bull Ride scoring 71 points, just one point ahead of runner-up Thomas Livich, who made his debut in the open — “the most dangerous sport in the world”. “The bull bucked me up high a few times, but I held form,” Van Zyl said. Other rough stock competitors included Coby McCarthy, 11, who is following in his father’s cowboy boots — with a win in the 8 to 11 Junior Steer Ride. Riding true to form, Coby may see his national standings jump from third spot. The Novice Bull Ride was won by Evarnn Hurley scoring 67 points, while Serpentine cowgirl Bella Gatto was best in the 14 to Under 18 Juvenile Steer Ride on 64 points. Gatto, who has been riding bucking steers for two years said she “stayed focused” for the win. In the horse riding and roping events, the crowd witnessed the speed and precision of several timed events. None quicker was Boddington speedster Melissa Foster riding Lethal BOB — the rider and horse stopping the clock at 16.04 seconds to win the Ladies Barrel Race. Bullsbrook cowgirl Elise Croft riding Chayse Image — the number two ranked Breakaway Horse in the country — put in a winning partnership roping off a steer in 1.93 seconds, a personal best for Croft. She also placed third in the Steer Undecorating event riding Spinny JO, the top placings earning her Boddington’s champion competitor’s trophy. Blitzing the Steer Undecorating title was Karratha rider Tui Magner who clocked 1.85 seconds riding her horse Murphy. Cowboy Phillip Jeffrey fell from his fast horse Shorty, before catching a steer by the horns and bulldogging it to the ground to win the Steer Wrestling title in a time of 6.95 seconds. Bringing a partnership of roping and riding skills to the arena was Trey Gallacher who roped a steer’s horns before Dylan Ruff lassoed a back leg heal, the pair in sync to win the Team Roping event. It was the last rodeo of the season and MC Paul Casey had the crowd on their feet with waving hands to Neil Diamond’s song ‘Sweet Caroline’ — leaving fans with a lasting impression.