RODEO riders from Tumbarumba are dominating the professional standings in Australia.
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Tim Hammond and Ben Hall are known for their willingness to travel far and to win.
They have chartered planes and driven for hours on end to attend multiple rodeos in one day.
And their commitment is paying dividends. Their pro rodeo calendar features 52 events from Tasmania to the Northern Territory. Mr Hall, who competes in the bareback ranks number one in Australia with a lead of $8000 coming into the national finals.
He had success at the federation challenge at Royal Sydney Easter Show to win $9500.
“Although it has been a tough, tiring season it’s also been one of the most rewarding,” Mr Hall said.
Mr Hammond competes in the saddle bronc and is battling out first spot with Cameron Webster of Queensland. “Its been one hell of a season,” Mr Hammond said. “Although its been physically and mentally demanding staying fit and healthy competing this season, I’m very grateful to keep mixing it up with the best in the nation,” he said.
With just five rodeos left in the professional season, the pair and their Tumut travelling partner Tom Kerr are leaving no spare fuel in the tank when it comes to chasing the points.
Their combined journey includes an overnight driving journey of over 1700 kilometres from Gregory Queensland to Darwin in the Northern Territory so they can compete at two events. The Australian Professional Rodeo Association’s national finals are just a couple of months away.
And fellow Tumbarumba competitor Codey Hammond is also looking good for the accolades.
He is recognised as a talented bull fighter and protects the athletes during this dangerous event.
Meanwhile the Tumbarumba riders also take time out to help run the rodeo in their home town.
“There's so much history ingrained within the Tumbarumba Rodeo community,” Mr Hall said.
- Fairfax journalist Nikki Reynolds is APRA media person of the year