Dougal stress-free, relaxed and ready to throw off all comers

Story by: Anna Pearson - The Nelson Mail - Photo by: Evan Barnes / Shuttersport

Ian Parkes is housing bulls for tomorrow's rodeo, but the Richmond Rodeo Club president says he's not crazy enough to ride them.

"I have got more brains than that," he said.

The 18 black, brown and grey bulls in a paddock at his Eighty Eight Valley farm are from Rangiora. "They normally come a couple of days before, just so they get over their travel-lag. They need to be stress-free and relaxed," he said. The bulls are hired by the club for $100 each and he is hoping they will draw a big crowd.

The club has received registrations from 180 cowboys and cowgirls, with $1000 cash prizes for the winners of each open section.

The rodeo will feature bull and bronco riding, barrel racing and sheep riding for children as well as entertainment by a rapping horseman called the Rhymestone Cowboy.

Mr Parkes said spectators usually enjoyed the adrenaline rush and action of the rodeo. He said one bull to watch for was Dougal, a world-class "cowboy's dream".

"Some bulls buck better than others. Dougal is the sought after one," he said.

Only two riders have managed to stay on him for the mandatory eight seconds, including Canterbury's Jono Reed at last year's Richmond Rodeo.

"I think [Dougal] was unwell. He must have had a cold or something. He didn't buck like he normally bucks," said Mr Parkes. "If you ride Dougal, you can ride any bull in the world."

The rodeo will also feature 20 professional bucking broncos from Waimate, which is a first for the club. "We have our own horses, but the professional ones are more guaranteed to buck," said Mr Parkes. Richmond Rodeo, 12.30pm to 5.50pm tomorrow at the Richmond A&P Showgrounds.