A big crowd of about 3000 people attended.

President of the East to West Coast championships Al Wilson said the main event, the open bull riding championship was a tie between Johno Couling of Singleton and Ash Lamby of Boxers Creek, Goulburn.

Both scored 86 out of a possible 100 to share the title.

Other winners included Hugh Treanor of Bathurst in the novice bull ride, Brendon Crowley of Gresford in the bareback riding, Tom Kerr of Tumut in the saddle bronc riding and Dylan Weir, also of Tumut in the under 18 steer ride.

But it wasn’t just a night for the cowboys as Laura Popatheoranaus of Wollongong won the ladies barrel race.

Mr Wilson said he was delighted with the crowd turnout.

“There was about 3000, it was a full house,” he said.

“This is the sixth time we’ve had this event in Orange.

“It’s one of the most supported series events in NSW.

“Definitely we’ll be back, as long as Orange continues to support it.”

Competitors included Steve Carter who revealed that when he is on the bull’s back nothing goes through his mind.

“You clear your mind and let your body take over,” Mr Carter said.

He returned to the East to West Coast Rodeo Championships on Saturday with the aim of repeating his 2012 victory.

Cowboys competing in the bull ride need to spend at least eight seconds on the bucking bull’s back to have a shot at winning.

“It’s balance, reaction time and having a good mindset,” Mr Carter said.

“I’ve had a few injuries and none that are serious, but you try to not think about it.”

When it came to bull riding, he had a simple mantra, “don’t give up and don’t give in”.

Katoomba’s Annelene, Sarah and Vian Zeelie are regular visitors to Orange and said they came to the rodeo for the atmosphere.

“It’s the second rodeo we’ve ever been to. It’s the country community, it’s far more welcoming than the city,” Annelene Zeelie said.

Ellen Howchin was there for her first rodeo in Orange after moving from Tamworth.

She said she’d like to see more local equine events.