BOTH Jacob Rayner and Travis Woodbridge agree that when it comes to describing what it’s like to cling to a thrashing, 800kg bull determined to toss you to the ground, well, it’s pretty much indescribable.
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This Sunday, the two mates will make their bull riding debuts when they compete at the Bungendore Rodeo.
For the two rookie riders, both from Bungendore, it’ll mark a whirlwind introduction to the sport.
After all, Rayner, 20, and Woodbridge, 16, only confronted their first bulls last weekend.
In a three-ride practice session last Saturday, both took heavy falls as they struggled to come to grips with the sheer mass of power and muscle that is a bucking bull.
The experience however, did little to deter either rider from pursuing what is unquestionably one of the world’s most dangerous sports.
“You can’t compare it to anything,” Rayner enthused. “It was crazy, absolutely crazy but awesome at the same time.”
“You can’t really explain the feeling when you’re on top of them but it’s incredible,” adds Woodbridge. “It gives you a massive adrenaline rush.
“I had to pump myself up for it the first time because I was a bit nervous but it was the best feeling.”
And when he climbs into the chute on Sunday, Woodbridge will be following something of a family tradition.
Father Brett was a long time saddle bronc and bull rider himself and these days takes upwards of 40 broncs to various rodeos across the state.
“Dad started riding bulls when he was 14 and just kept rodeoing from then on, he loved it,” Travis says.
“I’ve been around rodeos since I was born and dad taught me pretty much everything I know about riding. My older brother rode steers and broncs as well so it’s something I’ve just grown up with.”
Both Rayner and Woodbridge, meanwhile, said they were looking forward to enjoying plenty of crowd support on the day from friends and family in the stands.
Although Rayner admitted he suspected not all his mates in attendance would be backing him to get through his debut ride completely unscathed.
“All the boys will be out there,” he said. “I reckon they’ll be cheering for me to come off though,” he added with a laugh.
The Bungendore Rodeo will be held on Sunday at the Bungendore Rodeo Equestrian Sports and Recreation Reserve, located 5km from Bungendore Village on the Kings Highway.
The Bungendore Rodeo will be held on Sunday at the Bungendore Rodeo Equestrian Sports and Recreation Reserve, located 5km from Bungendore Village on the Kings Highway.
Gates open from 9am with the majority of the action getting underway by 11am.
Gates open from 9am with the majority of the action getting underway by 11am.
Prices range from free for under-12s up to $20 for adults with all funds raised going to the local Catholic and Anglican churches.
Prices range from free for under-12s up to $20 for adults with all funds raised going to the local Catholic and Anglican churches.
