Boosted by holiday-makers and featuring Porangahau locals who tried their hand as rodeo riders for the night, the first-ever bull riding event at the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel was a fantastic success, according to organisers.
At least 600 people turned out for the Parklee Bucking Bulls-organised event to watch some locals experience some heavy landings, said pub operator Michelle Gliddon, with no protesters in sight.
"Fantastic — that's the only word I have for it. We were a bit worried at first but then all hell broke loose and the people just piled in. The turnout was amazing and it was so professionally run. A really great family event," she said.
Despite being a non-points event, an impressive line-up of more than 20 riders and two dozen beasts made the trip out to Porangahau on the CHB coast for the Friday night event on January 19.
![With dreadlocks and arms flailing, Porangahau local Orlando MacDonald appeared destined for a heavy landing during the local bull ride section at The Duke.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/GQVHXY5GBMPKYTWUF2ZXIVCCAA.jpg?auth=38f92c80a1bf5429f734114580fcfbd001bef9eb7404dd912ec0b35f83771cd7&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)