Derby Rodeo
Steer undecorating is harder than it looks, but a lot of fun.
I rode Wayne and Kerry Stanley's horse Scamper, an experienced campaigner who knows his job inside out and probably could have competed in the event with his eyes closed.
He is what is known as a 'pensioner' over here, a term used to refer to an older or retired horse. Despite his status as an older statesman of local rodeo circuit, he has plenty of go in him. I was told by more than one person "you better hold on tight" because he would be flat out before I even realised the steer had been let out of the box.
I didn't get the ribbon, but I got close. My main problem was I held him up for just a fraction too long and we were too slow for the steer.
I am extremely grateful to Wayne for giving me the opportunity to ride such a good horse.
I also entered the Novice Steer Ride again and can now definitely say my brief and unsuccessful steer riding career is over for good.
The steer was huge and I had to go first - at least there wasn't any waiting around and it was over with quickly.
I stayed on for my longest time yet, but still couldn't manage to ride time. This was by far the most painful when I fell off. I landed on my back and my neck came back sharply. I think I may have had mild whiplash.
Derby Rodeo was my favourite of the three I have attended. I really enjoyed watching the Station Challenge, where teams of workers from different stations competed against each other in four events, like the rescue race and roping and riding a steer. Being from a smaller station, we didn't have enough people to form a team, but it was still entertaining to watch.