Trot out for Show’s big act

THE Ballarat Times News Group 2022 Ballarat Show is back in one week, with the headline performers are set to put animals in the spotlight.

Horse attraction and stunt show the Rooftop Express will run throughout the Show, from Friday, 11 to Sunday, 13 November.

Rooftop Express director David Manchon said it will provide entertainment for the whole family.

“We’re all about showcasing the Australian outback and what’s possible with horses,” he said.

“It’s a scripted show with voiceover, glitter cannons, t-shirt guns and some real horsemanship moments. It also broadcasts the message of primary production but done in a comedic sense.

“If we can highlight for people what farmers do for them while putting a smile on their face and having them say ‘I didn’t know horses could do that,’ then we’ve put on a good show.”

Following the roughly-one-hour show’s completion, meet and greet, and photo opportunities, will be available with the animals and crew.

With a team of seven, the show features 35 livestock including eight horses, 17 ponies and an American Bison bull called Rawhide, who Mr Manchon said is the real star of the show.

“He’s a real character, weighs about a tonne, and he’s going to jump onto the roof of the gooseneck, which is a big semi-trailer,” he said.

“Most of the animals in the show work for me but I certainly work for him. It’ll be a moment that’ll make people want to pull their cameras out.”

Mr Manchon previously brought the Rooftop Express to the Ballarat Show in 2017, and he said he’s excited to be back with new additions.

“We’ve been once before and it was a great warm crowd there so we’re looking to coming back with a new version of the show,” he said.

“There’s new content, a bit of tweaking with the moves, some different horses, but still with the theme of celebrating the heroes of the outback with horses, dogs and cattle and stockmen and women.”