Time is up for one cowboy but a family's rodeo legacy continues.
Cowboy Paul Robinson (36), of Dunback, said it was the first time he had competed at Outram Rodeo since his father, Chris Robinson, died.
''In December, we sent him off. He was a big part of rodeo. It's in the blood and I'm following in his footsteps. He was a pick-up rider in the day and used to ride broncs as well.''
In Outram yesterday, Paul competed in the open saddle bronc and was a pick-up rider.
''We [pick-up riders] are there to look after the cowboys once the time is up, or when they get in trouble, we are there to get them out.''
After his father's death, it had been difficult getting back in the saddle at rodeos in Waimate and Waikouaiti.
''They were all pretty tough. It's getting easier now,'' he said, clearing his throat.
Rodeo was in the Robinson bloodline and he was a third-generation cowboy, he said.
His grandfather, Jack Robinson, helped start the first rodeo in the South Island.
At Outram yesterday, his uncle Johnny Robinson was a judge, his aunt Diane Robinson was a timekeeper and his cousin Richard Robinson was ''Festus'', the comedy clown.
Yesterday, Paul stayed on his horse for the eight seconds in the open saddle bronc event.
''My horse didn't buck that good, just enough to get second place.''
He was second in the national standings, with two rodeos remaining in the circuit, Mataura Rodeo on Saturday and Invercargill Rodeo on Sunday, before the finals in Waikato on February 21.
''It's getting down to the wire. There are four of us sitting around the top at the moment, so it could go either way.''
Outram Rodeo Club member Fred Doherty said the club was pleased with how the event ran yesterday but disappointed with the weather.
''We would have liked a better day and a bigger crowd.''
The attendance was well down on past rodeos, he said.
Results.-
Rope and tie: Dean Cockburn, 1; Roy Tisdall, 2; Aaron Church Jnr, 3; Bradley Lanigan, 4.
Team roping: Timothy Evans and Daniel Kennedy, 1; Colin Dodunski and Chris Hood, 2; Corey Church and Wayne McCormack, 3; Lindsay Wink and Kathy Tisdall, 4.
Steer wrestling: Chris Hood, 1; David Gibson, 2; Ritchie Morrow, 3; Ryan Mason, 4.
Bareback: Ben Webb, 1; Ross Dowling, 2; Stu de Ridder, Joe Fentiman, equal 3.
Saddle bronc: Graeme Gannon, 1, Paul Robinson, 2; Corey Church, 3; Jared Mee, 4.
Barrel race: Kendra Breen, 1; Henrietta Purvis, 2; Melanie Church, 3; Rhondine Long, 4.
Bull ride: Ben Webb, 1; Darryn Bird, 2; Laurie Hawea, Johnson Davis, equal 3.
Second-division bareback: Logan Cornish, 1; Matthew Vermunt, 2; Brett McCorkindale, 3.
Second-division saddle bronc: Joe Redwood, 1.
Second-division barrel race: Paige Church, 1; Libby Bent, 2; Teresa Cotter, 3; Charlotte Montgomery, 4.
Second-division bull ride: Sam Church, 1; Ryan Burns, 2; Ben Forsyth, Liberty Waru, equal 3.
Junior calf ride: Elih Long, Clifford Fogarty, equal 1; Cody Blake, 3.
Junior steer ride: Roany-Lane Waru, Shaun Tahau, equal 1; Brendon Johnston, 3; Lane Whitelock, 4.
Junior barrel race: Amy Parish, 1; Tegan O'Callaghan, 2; Georgie Sarginson, 3; Hannah Morrow, 4.
