Rodeo fans will flock to the show on Friday night to see 40 bull riders from across the eastern seaboard visit to face off against the Doak Bucking Bulls. Matthew Doak said headliner Rock Star might be the one to beat after a two year hiatus and only five rides in his career.

Visiting talent on two legs will be a highlight on the night giving the amateurs a run for their money.

“Chris Lowe who’s just won the ABCRA (Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association) he won the average on the National Finals last weekend, he’s coming and Jason O’Hearn, he’s been over in the States,” Matthew said.

“He’s been a finalist in the big Calgary Stampede and he’s won pretty much every title Australia’s had to offer.”

It will be mules against man on Friday in the Wild Mule Races. Three mules from the Gill Brothers of Upper Horton will blast out of the chutes with a bareback rider atop hoping to just get across the arena. Three riders have signed up for the challenge, including the 2014 title defender, James Stewart.

“He was the only one to make it all the way across the arena last year,” Matthew said. With six mules on the truck, there will be two rounds and a possible final if anybody can stay on top for the ride.

Bundarra is about horse events with plenty of action on the paddock including showjumping and all the pony classes. Show secretary Esme Gerrad said there is a double show on Sunday with the classic dressage followed by the western-themed team penning.

“Some of them do the dressage and then race over to do the team penning,” she said.

On tap for the livestock fans are the stud cattle, a return of the Dorper sheep and a return of the poultry exhibitions this year. 

Those who value intensity on paws will enjoy the cattle dog and sheep dog trials on Saturday. Esme said dogs are coming up from Victoria and down from Queensland to show off their talents with stock. 

Local children are invited to enter their own pets, from guinea pigs to kittens in the annual Pet Show. The pavilion will be a tempting centre for the artistic and the epicurean. Visitors can enjoy the displays of the traditional country show of the baked and preserved, photography, collectors corner, horticultural and agricultural and more. 

Gill Brothers are also providing the amusement rides and side show alley and fairy floss.

Gates open at 9am on Friday and 8am on Saturday and Sunday at the Bundarra Showground.