RODEO season kicks off in the south-west today with the annual Dartmoor event going ahead tonight.

Dartmoor Football Netball Club president, Ryan Childs said he expected 3000-3500 people to attend the event, with the yearly rodeo being the club’s major fundraiser for the year.

The weather is set to be a warm one, with Saturday’s forecast sitting at 34, with Woodall Promotions set to stage the event once again.

Tania Woodall said there were strong numbers registered for the event already.

“There is 12 Open bullriders, the Ladies Barrel Racing has 42, Junior Barrel Racing has 27, Junior Bullride has 12, with Open Saddle Bronc attracting five nominations and Open Bareback with two, and 2nd Div Bullride has 37,” she said.

There will also be a Girl’s Ranchman Bronc for the first time in the region, which will no doubt be a highlight of the night.

“It is the first time at Dartmoor, we have ran practice ones before but this will be our first one,” Woodall said.

“We have eight nominated for that.

“We had a female competitor in the men’s event at Kryal Castle, and so this one is a specific one for the ladies.”

Competitors are expected to come from as far away as Northern Territory, along with

Come from Northern Territory, South Australia, New South Wales and the other side of Melbourne.

Heywood’s Sam Woodall highlights the locals in what will be a big night of rodeo action, with gates opening at 4pm and rodeo action starting at 6.30pm.