The upcoming Marrabel rodeo, scheduled for Monday, is expected to present significant challenges for riders, particularly when facing the horse Nutcracker, according to Harold S. Rowett, a longtime authority on buckjumping in South Australia. At 86 years old, Rowett has been deeply involved in the preparation and management of rodeo animals for over three decades, lending extensive experience to the event’s organization.

Rowett, a pioneer of the sport in South Australia as well as a local farmer and grazier, oversees a stable of more than 40 of the region’s most formidable broncos. Among these is Son of Curio, a horse known for frequently unseating riders during rodeo events. His expertise in readying these animals is seen as instrumental to the rodeo’s reputation and execution.

The Marrabel rodeo, held annually on Labor Day, is regarded as one of the largest rodeos in Australia, drawing significant attention from participants and spectators alike. Despite his ongoing involvement in rodeo, Rowett continues to manage agricultural operations on his farm near Marrabel, where he maintains a flock of several hundred sheep. His dual role as both a grazier and a rodeo expert underscores his deep connection to the rural community and the sport’s longstanding traditions in the area.