The action kicked off at the Kempsey Showground on Saturday night with 40 of the best international and domestic professional cowboys putting on a show.

Riders hailed from all across the world with some travelling from America, Mexico, Canada and New Zealand.

Bulls were transported to Kempsey from right across the country including some from the Hunter Valley and as far north as Warwick in Queensland.

Fans went bonkers for the bucking bulls and brave cowboys who kicked up a storm in the ring with Queensland’s Aaron Kleier taking home the championship title.

Speaking to the Argus, event organiser and founder Pete Farley said the night was a huge success.

"It was the biggest crowd we've ever had and we were lucky with the great weather we had," he said.

"Aaron was great to watch - I'd never seen him ride before but he rode really well and was definitely one of the highlights."

Whilst the money that was raised hasn't yet been fully tallied, over the years the Blue Moon Charity Bull Ride has raised $38,500 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Speaking at a council meeting, Mr Farley said he was proud to be part of the Kempsey community.

“Kempsey has a reputation for being a rough and tough old town. But when the Blue Moon Charity Bull Ride comes around each year and I go around to the local businesses – the support is outstanding. I can’t tell you how great the businesses and the people in this town are,” he said.

The Blue Moon Charity Bull Ride is the brain child of Pete Farley.

“As a professional bull rider I was involved in an accident. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was there to help me and this event it a way to give back to them,” he said.

While riders walked away with some customary bumps and bruises, no one was seriously injured in this year’s event.

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