Horses and riders will converge on Bribbaree Showground in a fortnight for a fundraiser to assist two local people battling motor neurone disease (MND).
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There, over two days, they will participate in a 120 run team penning competition, as well as trying their luck at campdrafting and barrel racing.
All monies raised will go to locals, Skye Edwards and Peter Causer, with a portion also to be donated to motor neurone disease research.
The organiser, local pro-rodeo association president Paul Blake, said the response from riders, townspeople and businesses to the May 21 and 22 event had been outstanding.
“I haven’t had a knockback yet,” he said of the businesses he has approached for support, “the community has got right behind this.”
Paul and Peter Causer go back a long way - they first met at a polocrosse event at Tooma some 30 years ago.
“We’ve been friends for years, back when I was still living at Tumbarumba,” Paul said.
“When Pete was diagnosed with MND last year and then I read about Skye Edwards and her diagnosis this year, I decided something needed to be done to help them and their families.”
Motor Neurone Disease is a disease in which the nerve cells controlling the muscles enabling people to move, speak, breathe and swallow undergo degeneration and eventually die.
The effects of motor neurone disease - initial symptoms, rate and pattern of progression, and survival time after diagnosis - vary significantly from person to person.
There is currently no cure for MND.
“It’s important we get behind people like Pete and Skye - that’s what small communities are about and this is just one event that seems to have generated lots of positive interest,” Paul said.
Cost of participating in the team penning event is $50 per day for the opens, and $20 per day for the juniors.
On Saturday there will be a practise campdraft taking place where participants can pay the princely sum of $10 per run.
“The campdraft is for anyone who wants to have a go - whether they be professional campdrafters or riders who have never tried it,” he said.
Paul said he hoped the weekend would raise well over $8000 and welcomes any donations for a raffle and cake stall.
Prizes so far include a gift vouchers, wheel alignments, hay, vehicle accessories.
“This money is for whatever Pete and Skye need, so the more the better,” he said.
Entries have come in from as far afield as Braidwood and Wagga with points and prizes awarded to the team penners but prize money going straight to the cause.
“It’s not about the riders, it’s about these two people and their families and supporting them,” Paul said.
“We’d love anyone to come and have a go - or donate cakes for the canteen,” he said.
Yes, a canteen will be available on both days catering for breakfast and lunch. In addition to that a coffee cart run by Brenton Smyth will be available offering a range of delights including hot chocolates, lattes and cappuccinos.
Entries for the team penning will be taken via NSW team yarders website at http://www.teamyarders.com.au/ or by emailing c.taylor@active8.net.au
People wishing to donate or require further information should contact Paul Blake on 0418 327 658.
