There will be no rhinestones on the rodeo cowboys galloping across Ontario’s rural landscape during the inaugural New Holland Pro-Rodeo Series this summer, says rodeo promoter Shawn Orr, president of A Bar K Rodeo Productions, a division of Wildhorse Stunts Inc.
True grit, said Orr, is what fans can expect at each one of the four professional rodeo weekends, held this summer in rural communities in the four corners of Ontario.
The Holstein Rodeo, July 12 to 15, is the second stop on the series and the Egremont Optimist Club, organizers of the event, are equally excited about bringing world class competition to Ontario’s #1 Rodeo.
“We’re committed to driving the bar higher by attracting top rodeo riders from across North America and delivering first class competition and exceptional spectator entertainment,” said Orr.
A former professional rodeo bareback rider and stuntman for some of the biggest entertainment names in the movie industry, Orr recognizes the special synergy between great sport and spectator entertainment by delivering the best of the best in bareback riding, saddle bronc and bull riding.
Split-second timed events like steer wrestling, roping and barrel racing keep the audience excited, while the entertaining rodeo clowns and ever-ready bullfighters ensure the safety of each cowboy.
Live country music each evening, including one of Canada’s hottest artists Dean Brody; sheep shearing competitions hosted by renowned author and playwright Dan Needles; farriers contests; the “vendor village” featuring local artists; and shops, food concessions and a beer garden create a festive atmosphere throughout the Holstein Rodeo.
“Rodeo provides a great opportunity to take New Holland’s brand name to the public… which includes today’s farmer,” said Brian Osterndorff, GM and owner of Robert’s Farm Equipment, which owns three New Holland dealerships.
“It’s entertaining, live each day and draws huge [crowds],” he added, referring to the more than 35,000 visitors that attend the Holstein Rodeo each year.
Robert’s Farm Equipment will be responsible for the New Holland “sea of blue” equipment that prepares the facility and maintains the competition arenas throughout the four days of rodeo competition.
Co-owner and brother Bruce Osterndorff adds, “It has been a great way for us to engage with the communities we serve,” referring to the Robert’s New Holland dealerships located in Mount Forest, Chesley and Lucknow.
“There was great buzz around the dealerships after last year’s Holstein Rodeo.”
For the latest updates, ticket information and schedules visit www.holsteinrodeo.com.
For information about the New Holland Pro-Rodeo Series visit www.abarkrodeo.com.
