It was a sea of cowboy hats, boots and shined belt buckles when the National Finals Rodeo gates opened in Methven on Saturday.

Event announcer Craig Wiggins described the event as ‘short, sharp and intense’ compared to the annual labour weekend Methven Rodeo.

“It’s the first finals to be held here in thirty years, and it’s really good to bring this level of competition to the town.”

The embankments were full as crowds gathered in the sunshine to watch the day’s events, with a big screen meaning audiences could see replays of the action close-up.

Methven Rodeo president Simon Ward said it’s a great event for the community.

“The whole community gets behind the event and supports the rodeo, and the rodeo supports the community by bringing in the numbers.”

Ward was unconcerned by the small gathering of protesters at the gate.

“They don’t cause too many dramas, and any advertising is good advertising, and that’s really all they are doing.”

2023 Saddle Bronc champion Ross Dowling said the event was a great day out for farmers.

“There aren’t many events left in rural New Zealand. A&P shows are dying, and this is a good excuse to get off the farm.

“Farmers can come to the rodeo and join the rodeo club.

“The community comes together as a whole, and it’s one of the best events in New Zealand.”

Eight cowboys and cowgirls battled it out in the arena for the title of All-Round Champion. The crowd cheered riders on as dust flew and hooves pounded the dirt.

The 2024 All Champion Cowboy title was awarded to a cowboy who had won money in two or more events, at both ends of the arena, competing in bareback, saddle bronc, bull ride, rope and tie, steer wrestling and team roping.

The 2024 All Round Champion Cowboy winner was Johnson Davis, from Rotorua.

The All Round Champion Cowgirl, a new title this season, was awarded to a cowgirl who won money in two or more events, competing in the barrel race, breakaway roping and team roping.

The winner of 2024 All Round Champion Cowgirl was Justine Gibson from Tauranga.

Other winners:

Bareback Champion: Rex Church (Waimate) Breakaway Roping Champion: Lani Jackson (Rotorua) Rope & Tie Champion: Ryan O’Callaghan (Kaitaia) Saddle Bronc Champion: Lane Whitelock (Napier) Barrel Racing Champion: Justine Gibson (Tauranga) Steer Wrestling Champion: Haami Boynton (Waimana) Team Roping Header Champion: Patrick McCarthy (Wanaka) Team Roping Heeler Champion: Andrew Jamison (Fairlie) Bull Ride Champion: Rylee Ward (Cambridge)

The Methven Showgrounds will come alive again when the annual Methven Rodeo returns to the town on Sunday, October 27th.

By Claire Inkson