The Weethalle Rodeo and Gymkhana was held to put the town back on the map and in the eyes of the organisers, it did just that.
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The organising committee had hoped for about 200 people to stroll through the gates but that number was blown out of the water.
Weethalle – which had a population of 307 at the last census in 2011 – swelled to more than double its size as almost 400 people came to check out the rodeo.
Weethalle Rodeo committee secretary Vicki Jolly said she had only heard positive feedback about the event.
“It was a very good day. The rain stayed away, the sun was shining, it was beautiful,” Jolly said.
“We’ve had nothing but high praise. Everything went well, from the competitors side, to the spectators side, to the people that helped run it.”
Whilst the rain held off on the day, Weethalle was hit by a healthy shower the day before which deterred some of the competitors.
About 31 pulled out in total.
Close to 140 competitors still competed and put on an impressive show of horse and bull-riding.
“People travelled from everywhere, we had competitors from West Wyalong, the coast, Melbourne,” Jolly said.
“There were no major incidents or injuries – a couple minor ones but no ambulances had to be called. The day ran very smoothly.
“The quality of the stock was high – everyone said the animals performed to a high standard.”
Now that this year’s event is done and dusted, the committee will turn its focus to bringing the rodeo and gymkhana back in 2017.
Jolly said the committee already had ideas to ensure the rodeo would be back bigger and better next year.
“There’s always room for improvement. Feedback is most welcome and more helpers are more than welcome,” Jolly said.
“Through the comments, people have suggested different ways to run things, so we'll look into those suggestions and see if they will work. Like the timing. We will try and do it a bit earlier next year, before the football season kicks off.”
