And the horses and bulls kicked up a dust storm at Beechworth’s second rodeo that attracted about 200 competitors on Saturday.

Miss Rodeo Australia, Danika Boland, was there on her first visit to a Victorian rodeo, all the way from Toowoomba in Queensland.

And, she said, all the action had made it well worth the trip.

“It’s brilliant, the weather really came on for me — it’s nice and warm,” she said.

“It’s a pretty big rodeo for a small town and it has a good set up.

“It’s definitely one to look out for in future.”

The rodeo was the last round of the Christmas run which started at Myrtleford on Boxing Day before a jammed-packed program that took in South Australia, Yarrawonga, Tumbarumba, Deniliquin and Finley.

Tucked away at Mayday Hills the event, filled with jeans, boots, Akubras and music, brought that corner of Beechworth to life.

President of the Beechworth rodeo Maree Anstee said she had spent the year planning an event her committee hoped would draw a bigger crowd than last year’s 2500.

“We are more organised this year so more people know what’s going on,” she said.

“We’ve got kids amusement rides, pony rides, mechanical bull and trade stalls.

“Being the last round, we have a bit of a party on afterwards for everyone to enjoy.”

Stock contractor John Gill said the Beechworth event had a big future.

“The way they work with us — they are a very energetic rodeo committee compared with some others,” he said.

“This rodeo is on the up and up.

“It will be even better next year. It’s always hard when you’re in the beginning phases.”