Gisborne Rodeo wows crowd

Gisborne Rodeo - Callum Tahau (Open Saddle Bronc)

ANGER Management and Hillbilly Deluxe were just some of the bucking "mad" bulls that thrilled the crowd today at the annual Gisborne Rodeo. The rodeo did not disappoint the hundreds of spectators that turned up to watch events from barrel racing to bull riding.

Chloe Emms was there with friends for her first rodeo experience.

"The weather could have been better but it was great to see everyone out and about supporting a local event."

Ms Emms said the saddle broncs were her favourite.

"It was a thrilling experience seeing it in person."

The eight-second limit proved a a tough one to reach in the open bull ride section. Mervyn Church did his family proud, as a third generation bull rider, with a winning score of 78.

Church managed to reach eight seconds just before hitting the ground. The bulls seemed to be the real stars of the show; Geronimo had his rider leaping into the arms of the cowboys waiting at the fence to escape his wild bucking, Deadly Nightshade had a bit of a tussle with the rodeo clowns, and Jail Break had a stand off with the clowns too, prompting a spectator to yell "that bull is mad".

Spectator Pete Livingston used to ride bulls in the Gisborne Rodeo.

"It's a good day out hanging with friends. I have been coming since I was about five."

Mr Livingston was there with partner Sian Bull, who comes from a farming background.

"I have been coming since I was little, it's such a good experience."

The region's own Fraser Babbington finished the day with a bull riding demo. Mr Babbington has made a career on the professional circuit and is currently the PBR Australia champ.