Pedigree Charolais, Limousin and Commercial Cattle from the Rumsden Herd in South East England

Wild West Show

In May 2005 we received a phone call out of the blue from a German chap who was in a panic. He was Deiter of Rodeo America, and he had agreed to supply a rodeo display to a Wild West Birthday Party in Kent on 4th June 2005, but had just discovered that if he bought his cattle over to the UK he would not be able to take them home again. So in stepped Bob and Fiona, and helped to make the birthday party a success by organising a Defra show licence to cover the animal gathering, and finding a selection of bulls and calves. Obviously before we agreed to help, we established that animal welfare was paramount, and there was to be absolutely no pain or harm caused to all the animals concerned.

So on the big day, the farm on which the event was held was converted to a wild west town complete with saloon bar and jailhouse. A grandstand was erected for the 300 party guests (some of whom arrived by helicopter) and 50 cowboys came to town. We supplied four calves for calf roping, where a calf runs from a chute down the arena, and the cowboy attempts to lasso it. If he is successful he immediately drops the rope, and the calf runs out of the other end of the arena, back to its pen, where the rope is removed. The charolais calf was the only one roped: they weren't fast enough to catch the lims!!

We didnit have enough bulls available for the bull riding, but two empty cows stepped in along with two bulls. A rope is attached around the flank of each animal. This concerened us at first, but it is only very loose, and covered in lambs wool, it is just designed that they feel it hanging there and buck to try and get it off (and the cowboy of course) The cowboys have to stay on for 8 seconds, which doesn't sound much, but proved pretty hard in reality. Star bull rider Will managed to stay on the biggest bull for 6.5 seconds, which he later confessed was the best 6.5 seconds he'd spent all year!!

After the show was over, and the animals were safely returned home to Rumsden, we were invited back to join in the festivities, and danced the night away to 3am. Many thanks to all concerned for a very enjoyable day.

Cowboy Bob!