With the temperature hovering around 30degC, the water truck at the Millers Flat Rodeo yesterday received almost as big a cheer from the 1200-strong crowd as the competitors got.
As well as keeping the dust down between events, the truck aimed a cooling spray at the crowd, with people rushing to be "in the line of fire".
Competitors, police and animal welfare officers were pleased with how the event was run and all praised the organisers.
It was the 48th rodeo run by the Millers Flat Rodeo Club and president Blair Johnston said it was one of the hotter days the event had been staged.
Spectators brought along sun umbrellas or gazebos and food stalls reported a roaring trade in bottled water and ice-creams.
There were 16 events on the programme and about 200 competitors took part, including two Australian riders. Several barrel racers had cancelled because they were affected by the most recent Christchurch earthquakes, club secretary Kim Johnston said. "They just wanted to remain with their families."
The open bareback title was won by Stewart De Ridder, of Geraldine, with Lawrence rider Simon Roughan winning the open saddle bronc event. Michael Sanderson won the open rope and tie event, Angie Perkins, of Wanaka, collected the open barrel racing title and Ginny Nelson and Murray MacMillan, of Cromwell, won the open team roping. Michael Nichol, of Gore, won the open steer wrestling and Jono Reed, of North Canterbury, won the open bull ride.
The Millers Flat rodeo is the first in the Christmas circuit. Mr Johnston said the club had put in a bid to host the national rodeo finals in its 50th year, in 2013.
Sergeant Andy Reed, of Alexandra, said the crowd was very well behaved and there were no incidents or arrests.
SPCA inspectors Virginia Pine and Helen Saunders, both of Alexandra, were on duty.
Mrs Pine, who is also the chief SPCA inspector for Otago, said Millers Flat "is a good example of how to do things" and praised the rodeo club's stockmanship.
SPCA inspectors attended rodeos to make sure animal codes of conduct for running rodeos were complied with, "and if not, we sort it out", Mrs Pine said.
"Having said that, I'm impressed how well-run things are here [ at Millers Flat]. "
Most of the pens were shaded and stock was moved quickly through those that had no shade.
As well as keeping an eye on the horses, cattle and sheep in the competition, inspectors ensured that weight requirements were met. For example, youngsters in the sheep ride had to be 20kg or under.
