Up-and-coming rodeo competitor Loche Cowan may have notched up his first two prizes at yesterday's Maniototo Rodeo in Waipiata, but he was still a man of few words.
What was his strategy?
''Just hold on.''
How long did he stay on the steer?
''Long enough.''
The Kurow teenager won his first two cash prizes at the rodeo on just his second and third rodeo rides ever. His first ride was at last year's Maniototo rodeo.
He was both humble and ambitious about his prizes, winning a princely $16 for coming third in the junior steer ride and another $100 for winning the Westpac Chopper Appeal Hotel Challenge, in which Maniototo hotels put up a local novice rider for $100 each. The winning rider gets to keep the $100, and the remaining proceeds are donated to the Westpac Chopper Appeal.
Loche planned to spend his prize money on ''an R M Williams belt buckle'' and had his sights set on even greater things after that. Next year he will be riding in the second division at the Maniototo Rodeo, and is eyeing the $400 top prize. His goal is to then accumulate the $2500 of winnings needed to qualify for the open division. After that, he would like to compete in the United States and Canada.
New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association secretary Diana Bradshaw said it was ''great'' to see the top riders competing at rodeos, but just as great to see the up-and-coming talent and vital to encourage the young competitors.
She praised the contribution of association executive member James Adam, of Henley, who, with Daniel Nichol, of Clarks Junction, provided stock for numerous rodeos around the South Island through D&J Bucking Bulls.
Mr Adam also stages youth days and ''buck out'' events at an arena on his farming property, hosting about a dozen training events a year and providing the stock for the events free of charge. He does not charge any fee for the 15 to 20 riders who come to train at each event.
He said he had never competed at rodeos himself, and could only put his love of the sport down to the boyhood wish shared by ''so many'' - to be a cowboy.
''I never got there. But this [rodeo] is the next best thing.''
