Sydney Royal Easter Show. 1 - 14 April, 2010

Sydney Royal Rodeo Series

It’s fast, frantic, rough and tough – and one of the most exciting events that you’ll ever see. Adding spice to the spectacle of a traditional rodeo, NSW and Queensland riders will battle it out in the State of Origin Rodeo Teams Challenge that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Multiple events feature on a program that adds up to a supreme test of cowboy skills and agility. In Rough Stock events, cowboys acquire points for style as they try and stay on bucking broncs and bulls for a wild eight seconds – with just one hand for stability. Under this category, Saddle Bronc Riding is the classic contest between man and horse, and the most technically demanding rough stock event. In the Bull Ride, it’s not just the bucking bull but also avoiding the hoofs and horns of several hundred kilos of lethal fury after the rider exits that make this the most dangerous event in rodeo. Bareback Bronc Riding is just what the name says, the most physically demanding rodeo event.  

In timed events it’s all about speed. Steer Wrestling means grounding a steer in minimal time, a test of strength, timing and coordination. In Barrel Racing, horse and rider compete against the clock to circuit a cloverleaf pattern of three 44-gallon drums.