After 66 years, one of SA’s longest running rodeos has been inducted into the Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre Hall of Fame, recognising its dedication to preserving an iconic sport.
And while congratulations came from far and wide, the Carrieton Rodeo Committee did not expect a letter from Queen Elizabeth II congratulating them on the achievement.
On October 23, the committee was inducted at a ceremony held at Warwick, Qld, and secretary Glyn Shackleford said it was exciting to see the community’s hard work and determination acknowledged.
After being involved in the Carrieton Rodeo since his youth, Glyn said rodeos were a passion and he hoped the hall of fame title would help strengthen the future of the event.
“Each year we get about 180 entrants so the competition is strong, but being recognised by a national organisation will definitely bring more riders to the event,” he said.
“Everyone in the committee has had the same foresight and are very proud of the rodeo so this will help to keep the event going strong.
“A family from WA even attend to work on the admittance gate, that is a massive contribution.”
The first Carrieton Rodeo was held in 1953 with past committee secretary, the late Vince Rowe’s vision and dedication getting the event up and running.
Part of its humble beginning still remains standing today, with the original announcers box still a part of the rodeo arena.
“It took a lot of people to cut timber by hand and build the arena 66 years ago,” Glyn said.
“It’s the spirit that makes a rodeo so great – it is the spirit of our country and it is a sport that evolved from a working way of life, so it is a part of our heritage and culture.”
The committee are among the first Australian rodeos inducted into the Hall of Fame with the prestigious award only being introduced in 2016.
“We could have had a 20-year wait but we were put in with some of Australia’s largest rodeos,” Glyn said.
The Carrieton Rodeo has remained unique because it is one of the few that continued its own bucking string of horses.
“We have a string of 30 horses that are used at rodeos and not many do that anymore,” Glyn said.
“Carrieton is renowned in the industry for the culture with its horses that it breeds.”
Since 1990, the event has been under lights and continues to attract local and international riders.
The event includes bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing, steer roping and steer wrestling, pen roping and ladies breakaway roping.
Event’s impact remains strong
TO keep new and enthusiastic riders attending the Carrieton Rodeo each year, a committee of about 20 volunteers has continued to push the boundaries.
Committee secretary Glyn Shackleford said as soon as one event finished, plans for the next year were already under way.
“We are always trying to make sure the event is as big and exciting as it can be,” he said.
“One year we had about 50 men sing the national anthem and Channel Seven’s Weekend Sunrise even came along to have a look at them sing.
“Throughout the years we have also had tremendous riders and in 1967 we were selected to be a part of the world championship rodeos event.”
Glyn said Carrieton had a population of about 40 people so it was not easy to keep such a big event going strong for 66 years.
“The community takes a lot of pride in the event and it is more than just a rodeo – it helps to build a community,” he said.
Each year the committee donates between $5000 and $10,000 to the surrounding communities.
“A big part of the event is to help support Carrieton and Orroroo local businesses and sporting clubs, as well as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Orroroo Hospital Ladies Auxiliary too,” Glyn said.
“The hall of fame honour is something everyone who has been involved in Carrieton throughout the years can be proud of.”
“Everyone takes great pleasure in the event and that is the beauty of it all.”
This year’s rodeo will be held on on Saturday, December 29.
