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Plateau Profile - D.J. Chruch - Bull Rider - Rangataua |
How long have you lived here?
On and off over 33 years. I grew up in Rotorua, went to Hatopaora College and then I was in the States and Canada from 1997 to 2009. After returning home I’ve lived locally in Waiouru, Ohakune Rangataua.
What schools did you attend?
Waiouru Primary School & Hatopaora College.
What’s the best thing about being a Central Plateau local?
Mt Ruapehu and I’d have to say that the hunting is very good.
What’s your favourite feature of the area you live in?
The outdoors, landscapes, kicking it with cool people. Riding horses and the fact that we are very central to everywhere, great for the rodeo circuit.
What’s your claim to fame? What best describes what you do?
I come from a well known rodeo family so it’s born and bred into me. I’m a bull rider but can do it all from steer wrestling to bronc riding and I break-in horses. Jack of all trades, master of none! I also work at the Tangiwai Saw Mill.
What inspired you to get into bull riding?
I was brought up doing it. My uncles and cousins are all rodeo legends and played a big part in my introduction to the sport. I loves animals and anything fun.
Share your rodeo successes with us?
I did pretty good overseas, could have done better but I did PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and PBR Professional Bull Riders Association. Basically the biggest rodeo circuit you can be involved with internationally. In 1997 I was the NZRCH (New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association) rookie of the year and then I went overseas. I’ve won various other titles.
What made it possible?
Family support and being able tap into experienced people. The want and desire to go and do it. The opportunity sort of knocked so I took it.
What are your future plans/goals?
I’m working on being the NZ champion bull rider at the moment. Wouldn’t mind being an all round champ....ha ha. I’m hoping to do really well at this weekend’s Waimarino Rodeo in Raetihi. It’s always a great event and very well put together.
What’s the most difficult thing you’ve had to get through?
Going overseas at 17 was a bit daunting and pretty challenging but I got a lot out of it and learnt a lot. A great way to get life experience but yeah it was hard being away from such a close knit family.
What strengths do you need to be good at what you do?
For the bull riding, physical and mental strength goes a long way, common sense, balls of steel, motivation. You’ve really got to want it and work hard to be the best. Get back on even when it doesn’t quite go your way.
Any funny moments you can share with us?
There’s been too many to mention but the latest funny moment would be getting a major black eye from a bull called uppercut. He jerked me down on his head twice, it swelled my eye completely shut but I still got on another bull the next day. You just have to.
Your advice to someone wanting to get into what you do?
Go hard, give it all you got but it’s not for the faint-hearted and you probably want to work with experienced people. Pay attention to the many older, wiser and very experienced people around, listen, learn and watch. Just have a go and in this sport you’ll know pretty fast whether you want to keep at it.
What are you hoping for with the upcoming Waimarino rodeo in Raetihi this weekend?
Drawing the bull called ‘unlisted' cause I think he’s the toughest bull to ride in NZ at the moment. And of course to win the open bull ride outright both days.
Click here to view rodeo images... |
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