April 27, 2012
What grandad isn’t proud of their grandkids? But in the case of Cherbourg elder Bertie Button, his pride in young Bowman Button, 13, is totally justified.
Young Bowman certainly is a talented youngster. Not only is he great dancer – he performs with the Wakka Gubbi dancers – but he’s also a handy junior rugby league player (Hornets U14s).
Pretty good? But how about this … he’s also an accomplished rodeo rider who has been competing since the age of 3!
In 2011, Bowman was rated fifth overall in Queensland by the prestigious National Rodeo Association in the poddy ride.
Last year, he came first in the junior bull ride at the Wondai Show.
He also competes in adult events. At the recent Nanango Show, young Bowman competed in the open bullock.
And he won …
He had his first ride – on a poddy – at the Goomeri Show. He was introduced to the sport by his father, Bert Button Jnr, who also competed on the circuit.
Over the years – he’s now been competing for 10 years – Bowman has starred at the All Community Rodeo at Palm Island in 2010 and made it to the finals of the Australian competition at Ipswich in 2011 where he came second in the poddy ride.
In all his rides, young Bowman has only been injured once (he was knocked out) but that hasn’t dulled his enthusiasm for the rodeo at all. In fact, he can’t wait to compete again at the next opportunity.
