IT’S a sport only for the tough – humans and horses – but it’s one Robbie George has perfected to take out the major title of 2012 Pick Up Team of the Year.
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The Mitchell’s Flat local is no newcomer to rodeo success gaining many accolades since he started competing as a 14 year-old.
But after wins in bareback, saddle bronc and bull fighting, otherwise known as rodeo clowning, George has now another achievement in picking up to be proud of.
Being a pick up man involves managing the horses and rescuing bronc and bareback riders from their horses after they make a ride, as well as releasing the flank strap on horses after the ride.
He and his partner, Ross Turnbull from Upper Horton, were announced the winners during the final night of the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association National Finals last month.
The Pick Up Team of the Year is voted on by the top 15 bareback and saddle bronc riders and the stock contractors each year.
The respected duo performed their life saving role throughout the four nights of finals competition, which followed a hectic schedule of rodeos spanning across the state in 2012.
George first started picking up in 1991 as he wanted to keep his hand in with the horses and continue going to rodeos.
He said he tried picking up and liked it, continuing to this day.
After working at rodeos at least every second weekend and practicing at least once a month on his two reliable horses Brownie and Chloe, bred by the late Alec Martin, George said he felt pretty honoured to win the title.
“I enjoy working with Ross, we have been working together for about four years now, he knows what he’s doing and I always know where he’s going to be,” George said.
“I like the job because I like being there when needed, being able to read what’s going to happen and being where I have to be.”
George said he believes his years of riding bareback and saddle bronc have given him a big insight into picking up.
“I can see when someone looks like they are in trouble and can act a bit quicker.”
He said his horses play a massive role and having the horses to be able to do it was a big plus.
“You can’t really train a horse to do it, they’ve got to want to do it,” he said.
George thanked Ross for being his partner and his family for all their support, especially his children – Kylie for working his horses for him when he is at work, Brett for helping educate the horses on practice days and Kristy for being there when he needs her.
