For the second day in a row and armed with nothing more than
quick wits, a turn of pace and a padded barrel, South Island
bull-fighters Gary Topping, from Mosgiel, and Will Jamison,
from Hawarden, yesterday risked life and limb to keep riders
in the South Island rodeo circuit safe.
Just a day after taking part in the Waimate Rodeo, the pair
were again in action yesterday at the Omarama Rodeo, where
they helped to keep bull riders safe by distracting runaway
bulls.
Although ''bumps and bruises'' were a daily occurrence, Mr
Jamison said teamwork was the only tool needed to keep both
bull-fighter and riders safe.
''It's all about teamwork. One of us distracts the bull and
the other one protects the fallen rider.''
He said he started fighting bulls three years ago.
''You can't really get a better adrenaline rush.''
Mr Topping said adrenaline was the reason why he stopped
bull-riding four years ago to start bull-fighting.
''They were short one year and I just helped out and stuck
with it.
''We get an eight-second adrenaline rush every time we come
out. The riders only get to ride one bull a day, but we get
to fight them all.''
A total of 160 horse riders and bull riders took part in
yesterday's rodeo. Omarama Rodeo secretary Stevie Steffens
was pleased with the number of competitors. Riders from as
far away as Australia and America competed, she said.
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