DARTMOOR’S annual rodeo will get underway this Saturday, with riders from around the country making the journey to town to take part in what is expected to be an exciting day.

The marquee event of the day, which is hosted by Dartmoor Football Netball Club, will be the open bull-riding, with event organiser Ron Woodall saying they expect a very strong collection of entrants.

“We’ve got 27 entrants into the bull-riding, which is a great effort,” Woodall said.

“We’ve got guys coming from as far as Gippsland, Adelaide and even from over in Queensland to compete.

“Lane Howlett will be competing, as will Dean Oliver.”

Woodall added that a great spectator turnout is expected, with the organisers hoping to build on the success of last year’s event.

“With all the COVID stuff hopefully behind us, I think people are pretty keen to get out and about,” he said.

“I think there will be a big crowd getting around the event.”

Contestants – both riders and bulls – will be in the running for points which will go towards Rodeo Services Australia’s rider and bull of the year awards.

In addition to the open bull-riding event, the rodeo will also host division two bull-riding, open bareback and saddle bronc horse-riding, as well as open and junior barrel racing.

The open ladies barrel racing event is expecting similar numbers to the bull-riding, with 26 contestants set to take on the course.

The Dartmoor rodeo will kick off with gates opening at 4pm at Dartmoor Recreation Reserve, with ticket information available on the Dartmoor Football Netball Club Facebook or on the Humanitix ticketing website.