PLEASE NOTE: Images of the original buckle and Mr Holder wearing the prized award, as well as an online image of a buckle similar to that which has been stolen have been uploaded to NSW Police social media pages and regional Eyewatch pages.
Police are investigating the theft of a historic solid silver and gold belt buckle, won 65 years ago at a rodeo in the United States by a Cootamundra man described as the world's oldest rodeo competitor.
Mr Bob Holder, now aged 94, won the belt and buckle prize in the Saddle Bronc riding event at Sidney, Iowa, USA, in 1959.
The belt buckle – which is inscribed with Mr Holder's name – is significant in Australian rodeo history as it's believed to be the first time an Australian cowboy had won a major award on the American rodeo circuit.
Aside from the intrinsic value and the prestige associated with the award, the buckle is of considerable sentimental value to Mr Holder, who has been known for decades in the industry as "the Cootamundra Cat". Mr Holder earned this nickname due to his remarkable agility and skill in rodeo competitions. He is reportedly the world's oldest rodeo competitor.
Mr Holder has contested rodeos across the world in his 78-year competition career and was inducted into the Australia Rodeo Heritage Centre Hall of Fame in October 2018.
Officers attached to the Rural Crime Prevention Team have been investigating the theft of the silver and gold belt buckle and tanned leather belt, believed to have been stolen from a rural property near Cootamundra in December 2023.
The matter was not initially reported as Mr Holder hoped the award would be returned; however, after 14 months the theft was reported to State Rural Crime Coordinator of the RCPT, Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside APM, and an investigation commenced.
The belt buckle is described as being made of solid silver and gold, with gold inlets. The top of the belt buckle reads 'Sidney Iowa' and '1959' is inscribed on each side with Mr Holder's name at the bottom and an image of a saddle bronc horse in the centre.
Det Ch Insp Whiteside said he hoped someone in the community would recognise the description and return the award to Mr Holder.
"With the investigation into the theft is ongoing, we are not ruling out that someone has innocently received the belt buckle and belt after it was stolen, unaware of its value and the historic significance and sentimental value to Mr Holder and it's place in the wider rodeo community," he said.
"We know Mr Hodder has been photographed wearing that belt many, many times over the years and ask if anyone has images of the belt to please contact police to assist investigators.
"We are hopeful and – indeed encourage – rodeo enthusiasts and industry to spread the word in a concerted effort to get Mr Holder's prized possession back," Det Ch Insp Whiteside said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the officer-in-charge, Det Sgt Ned Doubleday on 0429 596 435, or Wagga Wagga Police Station, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided in confidence.
