Riders and bucking broncos all set for annual rodeo

• Author: Richard Davison
• Published date: 24 January 2023
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times: Web Edition Articles (New Zealand)

The Lawrence Rodeo takes place on Saturday and organisers have been working hard to ensure an entertaining spectacle for an expected 1000-plus visitors

Les Beattie, who oversees summer grazing for the club's famed Outlaw Broncs — shared with Outram Rodeo — said the horses were looking at peak fitness as they roamed his Lee Stream farm last week.

Despite their feisty demeanour and invincible attitude in the arena, the broncs were essentially a good-natured mob, he said.

"They're quite easy to work with. They're bred to do their stuff in the ring, but work well with their human trainers outside.

"They definitely love what they do. As soon as you drive up here for a look-see they start queuing up at the gate, because they think they're about to head down to the club for a ride."

Club president Stephen Whitehead said the broncs were just one highlight of a typically packed roster of entertainment planned for the weekend.

"We've got 12 open bull riders and 29 second division bull riders, so those are giving good numbers for our roughstock sections.

"The Outlaws are looking fantastic again this season. They performed really well at Waikouaiti, and we're anticipating the same here at Lawrence."

Action in the ring would be complemented by a traditional country fair at the club, including plenty of free activities for children.

"We've got the sandpit...