Last weekend rodeo event Indian Summer took place at the Gipsy Horses Ranch in Voortkapel, a hamlet of Westerlo (Antwerp Province). The 4,500 tickets to the event that is quite unique in Belgium were sold out in record time. Many foreign rodeo enthusiasts also attended.
Indian Summer brings rodeo to Flanders: ‘Unique in Europe with 4,500 visitors’
Colin Clapson
Published:
Rodeo events like Indian Summer are rare in Belgium but also in neighbouring countries, especially at the same scale as in Voortkapel. Spectators were able to enjoy a wide range of displays.
These ranged from classic American rodeo and bull riding to barrel racing (horse racing around oil barrels) and roping (catching calves with a lasso). Spectators came from home and abroad, from Ireland and even the United States.
Fleming Dani Mertens enjoyed the unique experience. ‘There aren't many places in Belgium where you can soak up this atmosphere. It's great and everyone is friendly to each other. You can really be yourself here.’
Dani also took part herself. ‘Not in the most extreme competitions, but in the team penning. That's the rounding up of cows. It just appeals to me. I can't explain why, it's in my blood,’ she laughs.
‘I never expected it to become so big,’ says William Henry Dougan, founder of the Gipsy Horses Ranch where Indian Summer takes place. The ranch was used as the setting for the VRT 1 TV series Undercover.
‘Of course, I'm happy. The intention is to introduce people in Belgium to American rodeo. It's not just a sport, but also the philosophy of being wild and free.’