Over 4,000 people poured into the Murrabit football netball ground on Saturday night for the Woodalls Ride Tuff Buckle series final. Attendees travelled from all over Australia for a chance to see the fast-paced rodeo action combined with live music and country clothing vendors.

Event organiser Steph Toohey said the night had exceeded their expectations.

“The amount of people who came just exceeded all of our expectations. We sold out online, and so then it was just for people to buy tickets at the gate.”

“People were still coming in at 8:30, 9 o’clock at night!”

A team of 150 volunteers worked tirelessly, and the night ran very smoothly for the inaugural hosting of the event. The arena had been installed on the oval, with a stadium of hay bales for spectators to get a glimpse of the action.

“Everything went smoothly. We were so happy with our site plan, everything just seemed really cruisy and to just fall into place.” said Steph

“We’ve locked in next year, so look out. It’s definitely going to be an annual event!”

Ten riders competed in the local Novice Barrel Race, with Elise Huddle taking the win with a time of 17.271 atop Parker, edging out nearest rival Jess O’Leary on 17.960 riding Edward.

The Junior Barrel Race saw Ava Turley and Gunner lay down a blistering 15.19 for the win, and the Ladies Barrel Race was won by Tammy O’Neill and Peppy’s Ringo Rock on a time of 14.94.

The bulls and broncs put on a tremendous display of speed, power and agility, leaving three of the competitors requiring external medical attention.

The night culminated in the presentations of Ride Tuff Buckles with Swan Hill based Riley Eade taking back-to-back season wins for the open bull ride, 5,700 points clear of nearest rival Anthony Ryan. Open Saddle Bronc went to Swan Hills Heath Chalmers, and Open Bare Back to Beau Walpole. Second Division Bull Ride season buckle went to Seb Geppert, and the Second Division Saddle Bronc went to Seamus Fitzpatrick, with the Junior Bullride going to Noah Dingle. Ladies Barrel Race buckle went to Julie Breed, and the Junior Barrel Race was awarded to Toni Woodall.

See all the pictures from the event in the issue.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 17 April 2025.