Australian Cowboys, Roughriders & Rodeos
by Jenny Hicks

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Book Reviews of Australian Cowboys, Roughriders & Rodeos

Book Review: Rodeo history and culture
Summary: 4 Stars

Although the development of rodeos in Australia received some of their inspiration from the American experience, Australia also has a strong bush culture of its own to lean upon. This bush culture includes the poetry of Henry Lawson and the paintings of Russel Drysdale to mention only two. And this bush culture is inhabited by 'drovers' - those who manned the big cattle and sheep drives, and 'stockmen' (cowboys) who worked on the enormous Australian properties (ranches). Bush folklore abounds with the exploits of real legends like RM Williams and semi-mythical figures like Banjo Patterson's 'The Man From Snow River' or 'Clancy of the Overflow'. Instead of Stetsons and long-coats the Aussie stockmen wore Akubras and Drizabones, and instead of desperadoes and outlaws we had 'bushrangers'.

Both the US and Australia have a similar history of pioneers and frontier life, explorers, gold-rushes, and the human wealth brought by immigrants from across the world. Both are young countries, and flagship democracies. Both countries celebrate their pioneer history, and the ongoing economic and cultural contribution and relevance of those who work the land.

This book is a welcome contribution exploring the most contemporary outlet for showing and competing bush skills and horsemanship.

Summary of Australian Cowboys, Roughriders & Rodeos

Australia Books

• History > Australia & Oceania
• New Zealand
• World
• Sports > Rodeos
• History: World: General