Three participants injured at rodeo in Alice Springs, Australia
A rodeo was held in the Australian city of Alice Springs after returning following a one-year break. Three participants were injured during the competition and taken to hospital. At the time of reporting, all those affected were in stable condition and recovering, ABC News Australia reports.
More than 2,000 spectators in total visited the Blatherskite Park arena on Saturday. Participants competed in bull riding and bucking horse riding, while the youngest riders took part in calf events.
The rodeo returns
Aileron Bush Club secretary James Christian said city residents were happy about the rodeo's return. According to him, committee members came to Alice Springs from an area spanning approximately 1,000 kilometres in diameter, and community assistance was needed to hold the event.
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Ten-year-old Lucy Munster, who competed in calf events, said she was more excited about entering the arena than nervous. Another young participant, 12-year-old Ollie McKay, travelled 300 kilometres and hoped to win a prize buckle. Rider Harishane James, who has participated in rodeos for about 25 years, called it important to involve a new generation in the sport.
Victory and animal welfare
Thirty-eight-year-old Sam Webb from the Northern Territory won the open bull riding event and later won the final shoot-out round. He received $1,500 for each victory, for a total of $3,000.
At the same time, RSPCA Australia senior scientific officer Dee Evans said the organisation opposes rodeos because of the risk of pain, injury, fear and stress for animals. According to her, head tossing, visible whites of the eyes and excessive salivation in bucking animals may be signs of stress. Organisers called the event a success and hope to hold it next year.
