The National Finals Rodeo for 2023 are being held in Outram by the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association (NZRCA).
The event marks the pinnacle of the rodeo season.
The top eight cowboys from each event compete for a national title, buckle and saddle.
D & J Bucking Bulls owner and farmer James Adam was incredibly proud the Outram club had the honour of hosting the finals.
The club had been planning the event for a year and was given official permission by the NZRCA to start organising it in July.
"This club is an exceptional club," Mr Adam said.
"To have the national finals here is something special for the cowboys and the club."
A lot of voluntary man hours had been put into getting the event up to standard.
He expected three to four thousand spectators would show up to the event.
Mr Adam did not think that protests by animal rights groups would affect today’s attendance.
"I’ve been to every rodeo in the South Island and the crowds have definitely [been] up to the wall, it’s definitely gotten more popular."
There was to be a vet and animal welfare officer appointed by the NZRCA on site.
He encouraged the public to come to the event, ask questions and see the stock for themselves.
"Come and have a look, talk to someone that’s involved, find out the real story. I think you’ll find that [the protesters] are just the noisy minority."
"The squeaky wheel always gets the oil," he said.
Rodeo announcer Neville Clark said the event fundamentally hinged on community.
When you were in the ring, you had to have someone to have your back, he said.
"Nothing is quite like the camaraderie."
While he would be announcing the event, nothing could compare to the feeling of competing in the ring, he said.
"Ten seconds in the saddle is far better than a lifetime in the stands."
Today’s rodeo was "a calculated event", he said.
The very best stock from around New Zealand had been brought down for the event.
He was not fazed by the concern from animal rights activists.
"Animal welfare is at the forefront of our mind.
"We’re predominantly farmers, we make our life from livestock, we know the spotlight is on us and we go out of our way to make sure everything is right."
