What a weekend! The Black Opal Bull Ride on Good Friday at Lightning Ridge was a blast.

THE JOURNEY

Lightning Ridge is just over 700km drive from Sydney, and is famous for its rare black opal, mining history and artesian bore baths. Its population is around 2000 people.

Initially the settlement was known as Nettleton's Hill because Charles Nettleton discovered the opals in the district in 1902. Outback myth explains the name Lightning Ridge is said to have originated when in the 1870s, when some passers-by found the bodies of a farmer, his dog, and 200 sheep, which had been struck by lightning.

THE EVENT

The Lightning Ridge Bull and Bronc Ride is an annual fundraiser for the Lightning Ridge Pony Club.

In 2014, a new Pony Club committee was formed, with the sole aim to save the dilapidated grounds. Recognising the need for financial support, the committee spent a year raising funds through local cake stalls and raffles, and scraped together the necessary funds to host their inaugural Lightning RidgeBlack Opal Bull Ride.

Fast forward nine years, this event is a favourite of the rodeo circuit and is known for its impeccable organisation and popularity, attracting riders and spectators from all over Australia.

On top of raising funds for the Pony Club, this event also donates part of the proceeds to two charities - The Diamond Blackfan Anaemia Foundation and MD Australia for children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

THE ENGINE ROOM

Spearheaded by a dynamic all-female committee, their contemporary approach has yielded remarkable results. Sold out arenas. Fantastic entertainment. Loyal sponsor support. The Lightning Ridge Bull and Bronc Ride draws premier talent in both riders and livestock, cementing its status as a marquee event on the rodeo calendar.

L to R. Ebony Gibson, Heidi Monch, Simone Gibson, Lily Mallouk, Tiarna Britten, Maree Breuer

THE ACTION IN THE ARENA

Fantastic turnout for the night! There was an impressive roster of competitors - 30 in the Novice Bull category, 22 in open bull, 8 in bareback broncs, and 13 in saddle bronc. These numbers were not surprising with stunning trophy buckles and generous prize money up for grabs.

Stock contractors Gill Bro’s Rodeo, Tim Kennedy Bucking Bulls, The Wicks Ranch and Robb Bucking Bulls supplied rank bulls and horses who kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Novice Bull ride winner was Clayton Miners with a score of 73 points, followed by Cooper Mitchell 72, Troy Webster & Mathew Sisson equal 3rd/4th 70.5 and Levi Ward 68.

Open Saddle Bronc

Wellington’s Micheal Johnstone & Brody Cummings were equal 1st/2nd with 73 points , Josh Barnett & Angus McTavish Equal 3rd/4th 71.5 points and Benar Underwood with 70 Points.

Open Bareback

Queenslander Travis Heeb got the bareback win with 77 points, Joe Underwood & Dee Heineman equal 2nd/3rd on 73 points, Bradley Metcalf 71 points and Alister Curry 66.5 points.

Open Bullride

Singleton’s Cody Heffernan scored 83.5 points in the Open Bull ride and taking the full prize pool.

Unfortunately Cody was then injured in the short go and will be out of action in the short term.

Congratulations also to all Chute out winners - Angus McTavish, Tom Hudson, Travis Heeb & Cooper Mitchell taking home an extra $1000 cash & trophy buckle.

THE AFTER PARTY

Excellent party band The Crawfish Stew Band entertained the crowd until the bar closed. They are now regulars at Lightning Ridge Black Opal event and sure know how to keep the punters dancing with their mix of guitar rock and pop tunes.

Through the Lens: Inside the Lightning Ridge Black Opal Bull Ride

Toby Adams: Riding High in the Rodeo Arena