A historic belt buckle, crafted from solid silver and gold, has been reported stolen from 94-year-old NSW rodeo rider Bob Holder. The buckle was awarded to Holder at a rodeo in Sidney, Iowa, back in 1959, making him the first Australian cowboy to gain a major accolade on the U.S. rodeo circuit.
The theft is thought to have occurred from Holder’s rural property near Cootamundra sometime in 2023. Surprisingly, he waited 14 months to report the incident, hoping the cherished item would be returned without the need for police involvement.
The buckle features distinctive engravings, including “Sidney Iowa” at the top and “1959” on either side, along with Holder’s name and an image of a saddle bronc horse at its centre. It holds great sentimental value for Holder, who has been a prominent figure in rodeo for 78 years, earning him the title “the Cootamundra Cat.” His contributions to the sport have been acknowledged with his induction into the Australia Rodeo Heritage Centre Hall of Fame in October 2018.
Detectives are currently investigating the case, with Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside expressing hope that the buckle might still be located. He noted that it is possible someone may have come into possession of this valuable item unknowingly, without appreciating its historical significance.
Whiteside urges the rodeo community and enthusiasts to assist in the search for the prized buckle, encouraging the spread of information to help secure its return to Holder.