Bob Holder wearing his prized belt buckle. Photo: ABC/NSW Police
Australian police are investigating the theft of a prized gold-and-silver rodeo belt buckle from the the NSW home of the world's oldest cowboy.
Bob Holder won the buckle in 1959 at Sidney, Iowa, in the United States, competing in the saddle bronc event.
"To them, it's a little thing, but to me, it's a big thing" he said. "I was the first man, first cowboy to ever win money in professional rodeo in America, 1959."
The same year Holder won the buckle, he became the first Australian to win money in a professional rodeo in the United States.
He took home A$280 from the annual world championships held at New York's Madison Square Garden.
At the age of 94, the 'Cootamundra Cat' holds the record as the oldest rodeo competitor in the world. He intends to compete again in rodeo events this year and is in the process of buying a new horse.
"My word, I have to compete" Holder said. "I had an accident with my good horse - he's out, so I'm just waiting to get another one."
Police are appealing for information after a prize belt buckle belonging to 94-year-old cowboy Bob Holder was stolen. (ABC News: Brendan Esposito)
'A part of my life'
The buckle was believed stolen from a rural property near Cootamundra, NSW, in December 2023.
"Somebody sort of wanted it more than I did, so took it," Holder said. "I certainly got upset about it [being missing], I can tell you - it's a part of my life."
Rural Crime Prevention Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside said he "wouldn't even try" to guess its value.
"You can't describe the value of it to Bob" he said. "It is simply priceless."
The buckle was attached to a tan belt, which was also stolen.
"It's a silver and gold, with gold inlets," Chief Inspector Whiteside said. "It's quite distinctive."
Police are appealing for information after a prize belt buckle belonging to 94-year-old cowboy Bob Holder was stolen. Photo: ABC News/Brendan Esposito
The top of the belt buckle is etched with the words 'Sidney, Iowa' and '1959', and is inscribed on each side with Holder's name and a saddle bronc horse in the centre.
Chief Inspector Whiteside said a member of Holder's extended family reported the crime to him, when he was walking through Mudgee in the state's Central West.
"I've heard of Bob previously, so I contacted him and he confirmed it had been stolen," he said.
He said Holder hoped the buckle would be returned.
"It's been some time since it was stolen and we're hopeful it may have come into the hands of someone who doesn't know the significance it may have," Chief Inspector Whiteside said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or Wagga Wagga police station.
"We're happy to travel to get the belt buckle," Chief Inspector Whiteside said. "We just want to get it back to Bob as soon as we can."
- ABC
