Texas cowboy roped in

A top American cowboy has thrown his hat in the ring for Sunday's South Fuels-Waikouaiti Rodeo.

Jerrad H Hofstetter, who hails from Texas, has won a string of awards in his native country.

He first participated in rodeo at 11 years of age when a friend made a lasso out of an old rope he had found in his father's truck.

Before his 12th birthday, the family moved to Texas where he attended Joe Beaver's roping school and Barry Burk's junior calf roping.

"This was my start in the sport," he said.

Hofstetter will compete in his signature event and has spent the days since his arrival getting used to New Zealand horses and calves.

"This is my first visit down under and I am just loving it," he said.

"I will be taking part in the rope and tie and after the event, I'll be conducting some rope and tie schools which should be a lot of fun.

"From what I have seen of the country so far, it is very nice."

Cowboys, cowgirls and members of the public attending the event are being encouraged to "Think Pink" and wear a pink garment or hat as part of the support by the event for the Breast Cancer appeal.

Waikouaiti Rodeo Club spokeswoman Henrietta Purvis said pink caps supporting the campaign will be available this year, with $5 of each purchase of $20 going to support the national breast cancer campaign.

As always, children are well catered for at the Waikouaiti Rodeo.

"The Oceana Gold Kids' Country area will include a kids' bucking bull, roping machines and horsey hopper rides," she said.

"It will certainly be a big day."