The town – which once held pride of place on the Southern Zone rodeo calendar – has returned to the scene. After nearly 10 years of not hosting an event a committee was formed with the rodeo reinstated.

Harden Murrumburrah Twin Towns Rodeo secretary Kristy Brown said the event attracted a great crowd and was declared a big success.

This was both in terms of support from competitors and also good numbers of spectators.

“We had more than 340 entries, and that doesn’t include our local riders,” she said.

“People have entered from as far away as Tamworth and beyond the support has been really good.” The enthusiasm was evident from the large crowd, which gathered early in the day.

She said more than 2000 people attended and the event would now become an annual fixture on the rodeo calendar. Ms Brown said plenty of people came through the gates early – before the grand entry – to watch the action. The event – affiliated with the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) – attracted some of the biggest names in the sport.

Current ABCRA all around cowgirl Nichole Fitzpatrick of Willow Tree made the trip the event to compete in several events. And the current ABCRA all around cowboy Blake Hallam of Tamworth was also entered in multiple events. The event featured a full card of rodeo events – plus local competitions including a poddy ride and barrel race.

Aside from the serious timed and rough stock events the day featured entertainment from the McCoys of Harden.