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Since 1963, the Man From Snowy River (MFSR) Bush Festival has taken place in Corryong, Victoria, celebrating the great traditions and exploits of the Australian bush.

The festival has blossomed and continues to draw visitors annually to Corryong. The flagship events include the Stockman's Challenge, a live MFSR Re-enactment of the Poem, the five-day Riley's Ride, and the annual Australian Professional Rodeo Association Rodeo (APRA) event at Corryong.

In 2023, the Xtreme Broncs and Xtreme Bulls will take centre stage on April 15, and with $8000 up for grabs in the saddle bronc, it's quickly become one of the premier events in the south.

"I think it is going to be the biggest rodeo they've ever had there," said Xtreme Broncs Australia co-founder and APRA legend Brad Pierce.

"Obviously, the festival includes a lot of events, such as the Stockman's Challenge, the Re-enactment, and the Street Parade; the rodeo is just one part, and previously it has been a rough stock rodeo, but I think having the Xtreme Broncs and Xtreme Bulls is going to create some atmosphere and a bit of excitement.

"We cut off the entries at 33 (in the saddle bronc), so we have 33 of the best bronc riders from the standings, and we'll save six broncs for the final, and it should be a good event."

Pierce was pleased to see the industry working together to create a feature rodeo in Corryong.

"It's been good, we got in contact with the guys that run Xtreme Bulls, and they were keen to come in and do something as well, and they can see what it is and what we are doing," Pierce said.

"At the end of the day, the aim of the game is to bring a professional rodeo to the festival for everyone to see."

Good bucking stock will be on show, and with the APRA National Finals Rodeo in the back of competitors' minds, the level of competition will be top-tier.

"We have got five contractors there this year, with Garry McPhee, Gill Brothers, Tumut, Tumbarumba Rodeo Committee, and Steve Condell," Pierce said.

"There is $8000 up for grabs in the Open Saddlebronc, making it one of the highest paying bronc rides in Australia, and it all counts towards the National Finals, and it means there will be some of the best and highest-earning cowboys in action."

Pierce, who hails from Tooma, is at home in the Snowy Mountains, and he was proud as punch to have the Xtreme Broncs involved in one of Australia's biggest bush festivals.

"The Man From Snowy River (Bush Festival) is built around horses and horseman, and we think the Xtreme Broncs will be a good fit," Pierce said.

"Many people don't realise, with the (Stockman's) Challenge, a lot of them understand what it is to get a good bucking horse, and the rodeo will fit in nicely with the festival.

Upcoming events

April is a busy month for the APRA, with the Sydney Royal Wrangler Federation Rodeo Challenge kicking things off in Sydney between April 6-11, while there will be another 21 events later in the month.

Upcoming APRA events

April 06-11 - Sydney Royal Wrangler Federation Rodeo Challenge, NSW

April 07 - Destiny Downs Timed Event Rodeo, Qld

April 07 - Roma Xtreme Bulls, Qld

April 07 - Great Western Rodeo, Vic

April 08 - Emerald Sunflower Festival Rodeo, Qld

April 08 - Omeo Rodeo, Vic

April 08 - Deniliquin Under The Stars Rodeo, Nsw

April 09 - Buchan Rodeo, Vic

April 09 - Finley Rodeo, Nsw

April 09 - Roma Rodeo, Qld

April 10 - Lang Lang Rodeo, Vic