FOR million of fans across the world, it might just seem like eight seconds, but to the world's best bull riders it's a way of life.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
From the bright lights of Las Vegas, Brazil and across Australia, these riders are set to strut their stuff at in front of a packed Tamworth crowd.
The Australian Equine and Livestock Centre (AELEC) is set to come to life on Saturday night for the PBR's annual Iron Cowboy event.
Fresh off last week's PBR grand final in Townsville, the riders will all be aiming to cap off 2019 with a win in Tamworth.
Read Also:
The region will be well represented during the event, as Tamworth locals Ethan Watts and Lachlan Slade aim to pull off a win in their hometown.
"It's always exciting to ride in front of your home crowd; the atmosphere here is always magnificent," Slade told the Leader.
"Honestly, it's probably one of my favourite events on the calendar.
"Tamworth only gets one big bull riding event a year, and the locals pile in and pack out the arena.
"It creates a great atmosphere and I really can't wait to get out there."
Competing in North America earlier in the year, the 25-year-old said 2019 had been one of the most successful of his career.
"It's been a pretty good year. You have your high times and your low times, but overall it's not been too bad," he said.
"This is about my third or fourth full year on the circuit - I guess you could say I'm starting to get to that veteran age now."
Slade said he was "setting his sights pretty high" for Saturday's event.
"I really want to win this one," he said.
"It's one of my favourite events and to win it in front of a home crowd would be even more special."
In order to win the coveted Iron Cowboy buckle, Slade will have to go through fellow Tamworth native Watts, who recently starred at the PBR grand final in Townsville.
"I've got a few family and friends coming along to watch on Saturday night," Watts said.
"Hopefully I can do my job and get a score for them."
Watts said he would treat Saturday night "the same as any other event".
"Competing in front of my home crowd doesn't add too much pressure for me," he said. "I'll just be coming out and trying to do my job."
Beginning at 7.30pm, the event will feature an action-packed night of bull riding, as well as a live performance from American country music star Ryan Weaver.
"It should be a great night and, given how dry it is at the moment, a really good distraction for everyone," Watts said.