Bucking broncs, bull riding and rodeo action return to Severn this weekend

The RAM Rodeo: Bucking broncs, high-speed races, bull riding and rodeo action return to Severn, Ont., this weekend. (Pretty in Pink Photography)

Bucking broncs, high-speed races, bull riding and rodeo action return to Severn this weekend.

The RAM Rodeo is bringing two days of competition, food vendors and family fun to ODAS Park at 4500 Fairgrounds Road.

The event is hosted by the Orillia and District Agricultural Society, home of the Orillia Fall Fair and the Roller Skating Place.

Spectators can enjoy saddle bronc riding, which is often referred to as the “classic event of rodeo” by event organizers.

“A cowboy has just eight seconds to stay aboard a powerful bucking bronc, using only one hand on a thick rein attached to the horse’s halter,” said the Orillia and District Agricultural Society over social media. “It takes incredible strength, balance, timing and technique to match every buck and earn a high score.”

Another crowd favourite is the rescue race, a high-speed challenge inspired by military battlefield evacuations.

Riders race down the arena, scoop up a passenger while circling a barrel, then sprint to the finish line against the clock. The race is open to both youth and adult competitors.

Tickets and the complete list of events can be found online.

Gates open at 12 p.m. Saturday, with rodeo action running throughout the entire weekend.