A shy man! A man as tough as nails!
His name is Dave Harman.
Dave Harman is a man that during his career ruled the Saddle Bronc events. Originally from New Zealand, Dave in 1969 ventured across the waters to Australia where his art in the Rodeo industry came through.
Many people might not know Dave or have heard of him, however all the ole time Rodeo folks do.
In 1970 Dave Harman broke The Australian Record of the Five Go Rounds of the Saddle Bronc ride. The Five Go Rounds is where a rider wins all five rounds of the Saddle Bronc in the one event. 43 years on and the record has still not been broken.
During this record Dave rode 2 Bucking Horse of the Year Winners namely Sox (Bucking Horse of the year 1969) owned by Bert Hall scoring 83 and MeeNee (2nd place Bucking Horse of the year 1970) owned by Circle 4 scoring 76. During his career Dave also rode a legendary Horse named Eldorado who was name Bucking Horse of the year in 1961,1963, 1964 and 2nd in 1962. Eldorado was so gentle that a 3year old girl was paraded on him before the event started. However, once the flank was put on him he was a ragin ball of fire. Dave Harman was the last person ever to ride Eldorado at the Geelong Rodeo in 1971 in which he won. These cowboys where men of steel, competing for up tp 14 hours a day and riding for 10 seconds not like the 8 seconds they ride these days. Today, Rodeos are not like the marathons of the past.
Dave achieved his ambitions and goals in life by enjoying the camaraderie of fellow competitors and the way of the sport. Riding the best bucking horses of the country was an achievement that Dave had souight to do for many years.
In 1983, Dave retired from the Rodeo scene. He may have never won an Australian Title, but what Dave had was the heart of a champion. An Australian Record for the 5 Go Rounds that has stood for 43 years.
Personally, writing this story, has given me a new reflection on what the terminology "Legend" is.
FROM THE VAULT
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