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A look at the increasingly popular sport of rodeo in Southland. Peter Kingston visits a weekend school for potential rodeo riders in Mataura.
Hunter Medley, one of the "weekend cowboys", is interviewed. He discusses 'saddle bronc' - riding a bucking horse for at least eight seconds. After several bad falls he doesn't ride any more, but now trains others.
Peter Kingston describes the rodeo arena, and attends the Saturday event which is attended by many locals. The event opens with the screening of a film. Various club members speak at the meeting including Richard Mee, who has competed professionally and with some success on the American circuit.
There is discussion about the equipment of the cowboys in attendance at the rodeo - their spurs, saddles, and hats. Then the 'chute', the pen that holds the horse before they're let out into the arena. There is further discussion about the horses - how the cowboys ride them, and their treatment.
The rides are judged, and Hunter Medley explains the scoring system. Peter Kingston describes the demonstrations he sees at the event, including steer wrestling and calf roping. The role of the horses is explained.
The rodeo club social is held that Saturday evening in the Mataura town hall. There is country and western music, and many locals attend. The next morning, the cowgirls practice their event - barrel racing.
Hunter Medley then speaks to Peter Kingston about events he has won.
The bronc ride is the last event. Hunter assists "Saltbush" (Barry Cox) to saddle up for the event. He carries a recorder and microphone to show what it's like during the eight seconds of the bronco ride. After the ride, Saltbush and Hunter discuss the sport - its glamour and its cowboys.