More than 1000 brave souls have stepped onto the churned earth of the arena, grabbed the reins of bull and horse, and held on for dear life at the Stroud Rodeo.
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The iconic event, which has run for more than four decades, transforms the tiny village of Stroud into a mecca of bullriding and campdraft on the third weekend in September.
Organising committee member Annette Baldwin said more than 3000 spectators (almost five times the population of the town) and the 1000 competitors flood through the gates over the weekend. Early indications look like the numbers were up on previous years.
“We have had great positive feedback from social media and spectators that were at the event,” Ms Baldwin said.
Emma Malone and Aaron Handerson took out top ribbons in the campdraft while Troy Burtenshaw took out Open Bullride and Nichole Fitzpatrick claimed victory in the barrel race.
The rodeo is a not-for-profit event and funds raised, after expenses, will be donated to the Hunter Medical Research Institute.
Ms Baldwin said stand-out performances were delivered by Ben Maytom and Brendon Crawley.
Maytom won Open-for-Open in Campdraft and equal first for Open Saddle Bronc.
Crawley won novice bullride, novice bareback and Open bareback.