"Eight seconds of sheer hell," Cowra Show Society's Pat Cleary laughs, as he remembers his first time trying to hold onto a bucking steer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For the first time, the 135th Cowra Show will include a rodeo, and Mr Cleary is helping to organise the inaugural roundup of professionals and keen locals alike.
Billed as a great night of family entertainment, the rodeo kicks off at 5pm on the Wednesday of next month's show.
There are several tiers of competition where locals can try their luck on different weight classes of steer, depending on their age.
To compete, juniors must wear a helmet and vest, which will be supplied.
Nominations will be taken on the day, so there's plenty of time to think about stepping up to the plate.
After that, the professionals will take to the arena, to show us all how it's really done on bucking bulls during the Cowra Machinery sponsored Bull Ride.
"The idea is to make sure people get what they're paying for when they walk through the gate," Mr Cleary said.
"What we're trying to do is give people value for money with the events we've got on. We've got a pretty action-packed afternoon in store."
The Australian rodeo originated in the outback with the stockmen and drovers who pioneered the overland stock routes and the huge sheep and cattle stations of the north.
Called the most dangerous eight seconds in sport, riders must stay atop a bucking bull (or for local participants, steer) for eight seconds while holding onto a long, braided rope with one hand.
Mr Cleary said the rodeo will be great for local participants and spectators alike.
"It's the ultimate sport if you want an adrenalin rush," Mr Cleary said.
"People love it."
He's hoping lots of people throw their hat in the ring to try the watered-down version of this extreme sport in the steer ride.
For those worried about how the animals are treated during a ride, Mr Cleary said the welfare of the bulls is a top priority.
"It's all done legally and above board. There's no cruelty and the bulls actually enjoy it," Mr Cleary said.
The Australian Professional Rodeo Association are the body behind the upcoming rodeo and have strict regulations on how the animals are handled.
The Cowra Show runs on Tuesday, September 9, and Wednesday, September 10.
For more informaiton, check out the Cowra Show Society website: www.cowrashow.com.
