Introducing Professor Lance Skuthorpe. The Western Herald, Bourke NSW Wednesday 27 March 1907 (via Trove) SKUTHORPES BUCK- JUMPING SHOW THIRTY HORSES, SIX BULLOCKS, AND A POLEY COW. The great Skuthorpe, whose riding feats are known all over the Commonwealth, if not the world, has arrived in Bourke, and is making arrangements for a lively season. He has secured the enclosed land at the corner of Mitchell and Wilson-streets, opposite Mr. G. Walshs Carriers Arms Hotel, where yards will be erected for his horses, and every provision made for the convenience of the public during show nights. During an interview with Mr. Skuthorpe, who is a light, yet well built man of wiry appearance, he informed us that he had over 30 buckjumping horses, 6 buckjumping bullocks, and a poley cow that is simply unrideable. Continuing Mr. Skuthorpe said: —To make my big show still more attractive I have engaged Livingstone, the champion sheep-shearer of the world, and when he arrives, which I expect will be next week, I intend giving £20 to any man who can beat him for five sheep. With regard to the buck-jumping exhibition I have a horse, that I cannot ride myself; it is the only horse that has convinced me that it is a better bucker than I am a rider. I have travelled over Queensland for two years, and have offered £5 to any man who rides this horse for half-a-minute. The longest stay in the saddle of any man, except myself, who has yet tried, was 18 1/2 seconds. On one occasion I rode this horse at Eulbah. He had thrown so many out of the best saddles they could find, that the people urged him to try him. The horse bucked for 1 1/2 minute and when he had finished I didnt know where I was. I was completely done, and am certain, I could not have ridden him away from the yard. Since I advertised in the Bulletin that I had two of the best buck-jumpers known, I have received letters from horsemen in all parts of Australia, asking which is the better horse of the two, Snips or Bobs. The best way I can reply to them is that the two best men I found in Queensland, viz, Fred Cooder, and Pitt, a half-caste, both of Roma, rode Bobs in an ordinary saddle, and stuck to him. They both got on Snips in a 6 1/2 inch Winecke saddle, and each were thrown in a few seconds. I also rode Bobs in a 3in knee-pad saddle, while Snips had me beaten in a 6 1/2 inch knee-pad saddle. Mr. Skuthorpe informed us that he has endeavoured to make his show the very best of its kind. There is nothing objectionable to the senses of the most fastidious, and the Duko and Duchess of York, Lord and Lady Tennyson and Lord and Lady Talbot personally expressed their appreciation after witnessing the performances. He has two of the best riders he ever came across, viz., his brother Dick Skuthorpe, aged 21, who has ridden all outlaws in Queensland in a racing saddle without stirrup irons, and Jack Salisbury, a pupil of his own. He also has Jack Day, the old recognised champion of New South Wales. He has lots of horses that will give fine exhibitions with good riders in good saddles, and he has buck-jumping ponies for the boys. The show lasts for 2 1/2 hours, and the interest to his patrons does not flag for one moment; The show commences in Bourke on Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6. trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/104025497?searchTerm=bobs%20skuthorpe%20advertisement&searchLimits=
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 09:39:52 +0000