Congratulations to The Rural readers Rachael Frechette from Coolamon and Joe Price from Wagga who have each won a family pass to the Wagga Rodeo.
Genetics the key to success
A CAREFULLY thought out breeding program is what makes one of Australia's best known rodeo stock contracting businesses successful.
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It is long-standing genetics that allow John and Margaret Gill to line their home at The Rock in southern NSW with trophy buckles, certificates and accolades.
Their stock have won numerous bucking bull and bucking horse of the year awards in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA), Australian Bushmen's Campdraft Association (ABCRA) and Professional Bull Riders (PBR).
If you listen to Mr Gill talk about his string of stock he can run through their pedigrees with some of the foundation sires and dams having histories that date back several generations.
It is history and heritage that runs deep. Mr Gill was born into a rodeo legacy and now his children are involved in fine tuning the breeding program too. It is a lifestyle, a profession, and a living for the Gills.
Driving up the highway with a convoy of trucks carrying animals as famous as the only-once-ridden bull War Chief is something they take in their stride.
The stories of mighty bulls like War Chief are etched into the media and there are spectacular photos which feature on the sports pages of local newspapers.
So it shouldn't really be a surprise when the brightly painted JP Gill and Sons rigs pull over at a truck stop that people will often want to take a look at what is inside.
"Is War Chief on that trailer?" one lady asked as Mr Gill and his son Jarrod pulled over for a break on their way to Tamworth last week.
War Chief is arguably one of the most famous animals that lives at the Gill's property.
He has only ever been successfully ridden once. And it wasn't just any ordinary ride. Champion cowboy Rhys Angland from Wantabadgery claimed an Australian record of 91 points at the Coonamble Rodeo two years ago.
The Gill family's love for the sport and respect for their animals is the impetus which drives them to continue a long-running career in one of the toughest industries.
Over the years they have also learned how to be astute marketers. JP Gill and Sons stock can be found on social media pages such as Facebook and the family have become masters at promotion.
Their property forms a landmark on the Olympic Highway where the paddocks display large placards of their champion animals. There is also an Australian flag which hangs with pride and a massive banner promoting the upcoming Wagga Rodeo on February 7 is clearly visible.
The Wagga Rodeo, affiliated with the Australian Professional Rodeo Association, is a home-town event for the Gills.
It is a chance for them to showcase their stock and test out Australia's best rodeo competitors.
When the action starts at 5pm at the Equex Centre visitors will see some of the legendary animals which have traveled the length and breadth of Australia either bucking cowboys off or marking record scores.
The Gills want families to enjoy the event and spend time together. And Mr and Mrs Gill said they like seeing young kids dressed up in cowboy and cowgirl clothing to celebrate the heritage of rodeo.
And to celebrate this they are running two competitions at the Wagga Rodeo for best dressed children. The age categories are six and under and seven to 12.
Earning awards and accolades
RED Jack, a gutsy little mare bred and raised by the Gill family, was awarded best bareback horse at the Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) finals in Tamworth last week.
Red Jack was the toughest horse during the round on Friday night.
And Texas Lil, who has an infamous reputation among bronc riders was the best saddle bronc horse on the Saturday night and also earned the award for best overall saddle bronc horse.
Texas Lil will feature at Wagga Rodeo and she carries some of the most influential bucking horse lines.
Mr Gill speaks fondly of Texas Lil's mother, Lilly.
Lilly originated from North Queensland before becoming part of the Gill family's breeding program.
There will also be other progeny of the famous Lilly in the program at Wagga Rodeo too.
Ramblin' Angel is also a tough bronc with a steely reputation.
Ramblin' Angel was unridden at the ABCRA finals and Mr Gill said this horse will provide plenty of entertainment at Wagga too.
And for spectators who love it when the music gets loud and the toughest bulls enter the chutes there will be a feature Joe Howard Memorial open bull ride at Wagga.
Entertainment assured at Wagga Pro Rodeo
Wagga Rodeo starts at 5pm on February 7 at the Equex Centre. Tickets can either be pre-purchased at Wagga Loam and Stone, Fernleigh Road (at a discount). Or at the gate adults $25, children under 12 $10 and family passes are $60.