Kojonup turns on rip-roaring rodeo

Some of Australia's best cowboys and cowgirls put on one hell of show recently at the Kojonup rodeo.

Rain didn't dampen the mood at the drought relief-funded event with organisers saying 2000 people watched the show.

There were plenty of bucking bulls and bareback riding as well as roping, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and a feature ride by cowboy Luke Metcalf on Sling Shot.

Rodeo queen Stacey Lambert said the bulls from contractor Nick Maloney in Australind for the open bull ride were just too good for the cowboys.

First place in the rookie bullride was Deejay Caddies with a score of 67 points.

Two-time champion WA cowgirl Tammy Kinney, of Byford, showed the judges and crowd how it should be done, winning the open breakaway roping and steer undecorating, grabbing the ribbon in just 8.69 seconds.

With Mark Maxwell, Kinney was part of the winning combination in the team roping with a time of 12.53 seconds.

These wins secured her a buckle and the title of the all-round champion cowgirl for the Kojonup rodeo.

Hayley Hall, of Boddington, came first in the open barrel race with 15.44 seconds.

In the bareback, Chris Young was best with 62 points and Jadyen Bolten won the saddle bronc.

Winning the steer wrestling and rope and tie secured Laurence Oversby the title of all-round champion cowboy.

High among the must watch events was the mutton buster race won by Kojonup four-year-old Brendan Smith who showed potential as a future cowboy.

In the local steer ride, dubbed 'young'ns versus old fellas', Jack Arnold showed experience and wisdom will win hands down.

Kojonup Visitor Centre manager Glenys Russell said the commitment by the community to host the event was amazing.

Community groups, the Shire of Kojonup, sporting clubs and local businesses all helped to make the event a success, including building the rodeo ring from scratch.

Mrs Russell said that the organisers were hoping to make the rodeo an annual event and part of the Kojonup show.