Mr Darmody has rodeos and horses running through his veins, with his father and grandfather having a long involvement in horse breeding and rodeos.

While bulls weighing more than a tonne might instil fear in riders and audiences alike, it is the bronc riders who have the technique, according to Mr Darmody.

“It’s a show of technique, speed and reflexes as opposed to a show of strength in bull riding,” he said.

A successful ride for a bronc rider is staying atop a specially-bred bucking horse for eight seconds.

“Fifty per cent of points are to the horse and 50 to the rider,” he said.

“You want the horse to buck as hard as it can.”

Mr Darmody was just 17 years old when he had his first bronc ride and he was instantly hooked.

In 2007, he headed to the bronc and rodeo circuit in Canada and the United States, where he earnt a living out of the sport for three years.

“There are four or five a week in Canada and the US, rather than one or two a weekend here,” he said.

While bull riding might be known for its injuries, Mr Darmody said bronc riding was not without its risks.

“It’s not as injury prone [as bull riding], you’ve got the luck of not working with an animal that wants to bury you,” he said.

The Orange Rodeo is on at the Orange Showground.

Gates open at 4pm and action starts at 6pm.

Entry costs $30 for adults, $20 for children under 15, or $70 for a family pass (two adults and two children ).

nadine.morton@fairfaxmedia.com.au