Xtreme Bulls & Xtreme Broncs Australia, Tamworth NSW

These events help save some rare breeds, and vitally, put them in the public eye. Importantly for cattle they also help preserve the gene for horns, as there is no prejudice against them, unlike with most farmers.

The bull in the photo is Pandemonium, a 750k Banteng-Texas Longhorn cross - both rare breeds. He's never been ridden the full 8 seconds in over 70 appearances. He even avoids treading on a fallen rider. When not at work, he's a lovely gentle chap!

Good rodeo bulls fetch up to $20,000 so it's another market for breeders; several properties specialise in breeding for rodeos, so this helps keep several rare breeds viable. Champions are retired to live out their days in peace and to breed future rodeo stars - for example the only known Banteng in captivity a few years back, were Banteng with rodeo breeders. Now these cattle are gaining breeders for other commercial reasons, thus saving them. More than one use for a breed helps ensure its survival and keeps breeds traits.

It also gives the bull a good long life - they don't start on the circuit until about 3 years old, and work until over 10. As most are various crosses, it's interesting to think perhaps a new breed may be created too. Athleticism in a  bull yet with a big overall weight, strong legs and feet, strong back - and almost as a contradiction - a good temperament when not at work is the hallmark of bulls used for rodeo. Horned animals of course have better temperaments. A healthy strong animal, mature, capable of physical work - and many weigh 1,000 kilos - is the result, thus keeping good healthy cattle traits.

Details and entry prices on this website of the venue, the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre.