Things are getting extreme in Otane at the start of next month, with a bucking good time promised at the Motere Angus Otane Extreme Bullriding.
Matt and Emma Oliver run the event which, after a hiatus of four years, is back with a vengeance at Buckin Acres, their purpose-built professional-sized rodeo arena just out of Otane.
The arena was built by Johnny Ward, a co-founder of the event and former national bullriding and all-round champion, who as well as helping organise, will this year be on announcing duties.
Part of the Parklee Bullride Series and Rodeo New Zealand national circuit, the cream of Kiwi bullriders along with local riders will be competing for four championship buckles up for grabs; one each for the open, second division, youth bull and junior calf divisions.
Mrs Oliver said about 40 bulls were being provided by Parklee Bucking Bulls, along with locally supplied calves and second division bulls.
In past years, the event had attracted crowds of up to 3000 from around the North Island, and Mr Oliver expected it to be no different this year.
"Get in early and find a spot on the embankment, bring your blanket, pitch a gazebo - it's set to be a five-hour bullriding extravaganza," he said.
As well as the action in the ring, there will be extra entertainment for families, with bouncy castles and face painting lined up, as well as live music and plenty of food stalls.
To be held on March 1, the gates will open at 12pm with the action kicking off at 1pm at the venue about 1km east of Otane township, at the intersection of Elsthorpe and Racecourse roads.
Mr Oliver said a big working bee was held last weekend, and the arena, which is also available for hire throughout the year, was in great shape.
-Tickets will be available on the gate: Adults $15, under-16s/seniors $5, families (2 adults + 2 children) $35, and under-5s free.
To win a free ticket, as well as an Xtreme Bullriding cap go to the Motere Angus Otane Extreme Bullriding Facebook page and enter the photo caption competition.