One weekend - four events - unlimited fun.
Rodeo
Rodeo consists of two types of competitions - roughstock events and timed events. Each competition has its own set of rodeo rules and order of events.
In the roughstock events bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding a contestant's score is equally dependent upon his performance and the animal's performance.
To earn a qualified score, the rider, while using only one hand, must stay aboard a bucking horse or bull for eight seconds. If the rider touches the animal, themselves, or any of their equipment with their free hand, they are disqualified.
In timed events steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, barrel racing and steer roping; cowboys and cowgirls compete against the clock, as well as against each other.
A contestant's goal is to post the fastest time in his or her event.
At Aileron, the events are traditionally roughstock events only. Aileron Bush Club is affiliated with Northern Cowboys Association, and the National Rodeo Council of Australia.
Bronco Branding
Bronco Branding is Australia's traditional method of branding cattle in the outback.
It involves the stockmen mustering the mob and holding them, whilst the catcher, usually the head stockman or an experienced ringer, ropes an unbranded beast (cleanskin) from his horse. The catch is pulled to the bronco panel or a tree, leg ropes are applied and used to secure the beast to the ground.
This method is still used on large remote cattle stations today, but holding yards have been built to confine the mob.
Using this method, cattle can be mustered and branded in one day without drafting. It eliminates the cost of building large drafting yards or driving cattle long distances.
In competition the cattle are painted instead of branded, and judges score competitors on their timeliness, the skills they display, and their attention to detail.
Gymkhana
Gymkhana is an equestrian event focused on speed pattern racing and timed games.
Riders are timed individually while racing through a pattern or competing in games on horseback.
Riders are given penalties or disqualifications for touching, knocking over, or dropping objects.
Gymkhana is as much about the abilities of the riders as it is the horses.
Motorkhana
Unique to Australia, a motorkhana is the equivalent of a gymkhana (see above) where riders compete on a motorbike instead of a horse.
There’s plenty more dust and volume, but are motorbikes actually faster through the patterns than horses?
Family fun area
We'll have a jumping castle set up over near the dance hall if the colts and fillies need to let off some steam.
Mexican Donkey Race
The Aileron Bush Weekend is famous for the Mexican Donkey Race!
This novelty event sees participants race to dress up in a poncho and sombrero, eat some tucker, drink some drink, and pilot a donkey over the finish line.
Do you have what it takes?
Bush Dance
The Bush Dance will be held in the Dance Hall at the conclusion of the rodeo events on Saturday night. A DJ will provide the soundtrack
Pay a $5 entry fee per person at the Dance Hall gate, and enjoy the evening with new friends and old.
On the way in, gentlemen must wear a tie, and ladies must look neat. Leaving in someone else’ clothes isn’t unheard of, but please remember it’s a family event.
You are welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages into the dance, but be advised antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.
Big Man Walk
A giant sculpture of an Aboriginal warrior (Anmatjere Man) stands guard over the Aileron Roadhouse.
This statue is a popular pull-off destination along the highway.
Visitors can walk right up to the statues for a closer view.
Stop in for a beer or a cuppa at the Roadhouse after your walk!