Event co-ordinator Jill Burch said bookings at the come-and-try day had been maxed out again, with 150 children developing their skills in the 10 different events – or trying them for the first time.

Mrs Burch said the volunteer instructors were champions and past champions in their events, including current ABRCA All Round Cowboy Heath Nichols, of Scone, and All Round Rookie Cowgirl Sallie Pilgrim, of Tamworth.

They showed the kids new skills in steer undecorating, steer wrestling, campdraft, rope and tie, breakaway roping, team roping, saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding and barrel racing – all using clever props that meant no real livestock.

Mrs Burch said the ABCRA had been running the event for about five years as a way to introduce young people to the sport or to help them improve.

“We just felt as though it was a great way to develop up-and-coming children; to give children access to Australian elite rodeo and campdraft competitors to develop their skills, and bring new children and families into the sport,” she said.

“We had children get to work with some of their idols and that was a big thing for the kids; they really enjoyed that.”

Mrs Burch said they all had a great day taking part in the events.

“Some were really taken aback and amazed when they caught the calf or got on the bull or when they were able to get [their chosen] cowboy’s autograph on their number at the end. The smiles on their faces said it all,” she said.

“They were a beautiful bunch of kids: they were so enthusiastic and no one didn’t want to have a go; they were all very polite and thanked the instructors.”

Mrs Burch said the steer wrestling and steer undecorating had been particularly big hits.

And if the come-and-try day piqued their interest, the children were then able to follow it up that night with free entry to the Ironman 4x4 ABCRA National Finals Junior Rodeo.