John O'Brien is getting ready to host what he calls the “Real big hoedown in Moravia.”
Jennifer Meyers / The Citizen
John O'Brien, of O'Brien's Farms and Stables in Moravia, stands with a 2-year-old horse named Apache at his arena.
John O'Brien, of O'Brien's Farms and Stables in Moravia, stands with a 2-year-old horse named Apache at his arena.
This weekend, O'Brien will hold a rodeo on his 150-acre lot on Dumplin Hill. He has collaborated with Ken Finch, a Pennsylvania farmer O'Brien met through a friend, to bring between 35 and 40 bulls to his property for the event.
“He's coming with chutes, gates and a clown,” O'Brien said. “He'll basically turn my whole arena into a full-fledged rodeo.”
The 1,000-pound bulls will be barricaded by chutes so weighty they can only be lifted with a tow motor loaned to O'Brien from another friend.
Anyone in the area with riding experience can contact the rodeo organizers through O'Brien's Web site if they want to hop in the saddle.
But O'Brien himself will not be riding any of the beasts whose wild bucking and kicking motions can make for painful dismounts.
The rodeo will also feature bronc-riding, sheep-catching and mutton-busting for children.
The latter activity places children atop a sheep in the same manner as adult riders mount a bull or bronc, then struggle to stay atop as the animal maneuvers its way around the ring.
Parking is free, and hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork and baked beans will comprise the menu of classic rodeo food. Donna and the Mystics will supply live music.
“I want it to look as professional as it can,” O'Brien said. “I can't say we won't have flaws, but we haven't left any stones unturned.”
O'Brien feels the rodeo will serve as a rare opportunity for families in the area to enjoy themselves without emptying their pockets as they would at a movie theater or other sporting event.
“I'm a firm believer that for less than $40, a family of four or five can still have a good time,” he said.
In addition to strong advance ticket sales, O'Brien has heard plenty of positive feedback from Moravia residents about the novelty of hosting a rodeo in town.
“Some people have said it's the best thing to happen to Moravia in a long time,” he said. “There's nothing really around here like this anymore, so I thought I'd give it a shot and see how it works out.”
O'Brien believes that once they buy their tickets and take their seats, the families in the audience at his farm will see the same timeless attraction at his rodeo that has sustained his interest in the sport.
“There's something about men and their testosterone; them showing they can ride bulls,” he said. “It's man against beast, and we'll see who wins.”
Staff writer David Wilcox can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 245 or david.wilcox@lee.net
If you go
What: Rodeo at O'Brien Farm
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: O'Brien Farm, 2069 Dumplin Hill Road, Moravia
Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the gate for adults (14 and older); $6 for ages 6 to 13; free for 5 and younger
For details: Visit www.obriensfarmandstables.com
“He's coming with chutes, gates and a clown,” O'Brien said. “He'll basically turn my whole arena into a full-fledged rodeo.”
The 1,000-pound bulls will be barricaded by chutes so weighty they can only be lifted with a tow motor loaned to O'Brien from another friend.
Anyone in the area with riding experience can contact the rodeo organizers through O'Brien's Web site if they want to hop in the saddle.
But O'Brien himself will not be riding any of the beasts whose wild bucking and kicking motions can make for painful dismounts.
The rodeo will also feature bronc-riding, sheep-catching and mutton-busting for children.
The latter activity places children atop a sheep in the same manner as adult riders mount a bull or bronc, then struggle to stay atop as the animal maneuvers its way around the ring.
Parking is free, and hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork and baked beans will comprise the menu of classic rodeo food. Donna and the Mystics will supply live music.
“I want it to look as professional as it can,” O'Brien said. “I can't say we won't have flaws, but we haven't left any stones unturned.”
O'Brien feels the rodeo will serve as a rare opportunity for families in the area to enjoy themselves without emptying their pockets as they would at a movie theater or other sporting event.
“I'm a firm believer that for less than $40, a family of four or five can still have a good time,” he said.
In addition to strong advance ticket sales, O'Brien has heard plenty of positive feedback from Moravia residents about the novelty of hosting a rodeo in town.
“Some people have said it's the best thing to happen to Moravia in a long time,” he said. “There's nothing really around here like this anymore, so I thought I'd give it a shot and see how it works out.”
O'Brien believes that once they buy their tickets and take their seats, the families in the audience at his farm will see the same timeless attraction at his rodeo that has sustained his interest in the sport.
“There's something about men and their testosterone; them showing they can ride bulls,” he said. “It's man against beast, and we'll see who wins.”
Staff writer David Wilcox can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 245 or david.wilcox@lee.net
If you go
What: Rodeo at O'Brien Farm
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: O'Brien Farm, 2069 Dumplin Hill Road, Moravia
Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the gate for adults (14 and older); $6 for ages 6 to 13; free for 5 and younger
For details: Visit www.obriensfarmandstables.com
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