A moment of silence was held before the bucking bull event at this year’s Stroud show in memory of Gloucester’s Eric Yates.
Stroud Show Association president, James Harris said there was total silence as the 4500 attendees paid their respects to Eric and his family.
“You could have heard a pin drop,” he said.
“It just shows how important Eric was to the community.”
Eric died unexpectedly in January, leaving behind a legacy in bucking bull futurity, a competition where young bulls aged 2-3 years get a chance to buck in competition against each other.
Australian Bucking Bull Incorporated (ABBI) has a long history of running events in America and has only recently had a presence in Australia.
ABBI Australia manager, Kevin Kasper said Eric was one of its first members when the group formed a couple of years ago.
Eric was the one to bring the event to the Stroud show.
“Eric was so well loved and an avid supporter of ABBI,” he said.
We wouldn’t have a bull riding event if it wasn’t for Eric.
- James Harris
This led to the idea of holding this year’s Stroud show event in Eric’s honour.
ABBI had buckles made up incorporating Eric’s brand and ran a series of competitions in an event called The 6EY Stroud Futurity.
Eric’s wife, Heidi Yates won the women’s division and was presented with a buckle by one of Eric’s good friends, Brian Scott.
“Thank you to the Stroud community, not only for the Stroud show, but for all the support since the loss,” Heidi said.
Kevin said the event was well supported with competitors coming from around NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
“People travelled to show support for Heidi and the girls,” Kevin said.
According to James, Eric has been credited with bringing the bucking bull futurity to NSW.
He said Eric was a major contributor to how the Stroud show has been progressing over the years.
“We wouldn’t have a bull riding event if it wasn’t for Eric,” James said.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
