Young NT rodeo riders 'suck it up and forget about the fear' in their quest for eight seconds of glory
"Most people say it's crazy," 14-year-old bull rider Lockie Spilsbury says, "but you get used to the adrenaline and being scared".
The aspiring professional bull rider last weekend came first in the junior steer and junior bull rides at the final Noonamah Rodeo of the season, in front of the 2,000-strong crowd.
He collected the Champion Junior Bull Rider buckle, coming in equal with his 12-year-old brother Beau.
The two boys, in their cowboy hats, shirts and newly acquired buckles, were inspired to start riding when their 17-year-old brother Jay, who was also riding at Noonamah, got involved.
They have dreams of following the sport through to the Professional Bull Riders in America.
For now, they practice weekly at a friends house, jumping on steers and a bareback horse to build up their strength and skills.
"It's the same as any other sport," Lockie said.
"If you wanted to play basketball, you'd aim for it. You always aim for what you want, aim for your dreams."
Unlike basketball, however, many people may indeed believe bull riding is crazy.
Last year at the same Noonamah Rodeo, Beau got "pretty smashed up", his mum Nicole said.
He broke his leg and spent 10 days in hospital.
But he remains determined to continue, unfazed by his injury and for Ms Spilsbury it is an outdoor activity and a sport that has helped the boys become stronger.
"It's a really good fitness sport, they've got to stay fit to keep on doing what they're doing and winning like they are," she said.
"For Beau to have recovered from his injuries over the Christmas period and be able to ride at the first Noonamah rodeo this year just goes to show the strength the kids have got."
Sitting in the stands at a rodeo, waiting for the gates to open and for the boys to ride out, is an experience she and the boys' father, Jamie, have become used to.
He said it is just like watching your kids run out on a football field.
"They're either going to win or lose," Mr Spilsbury said.
The family came from Victoria to a station in the Territory three years ago, fell in love with it and neither the boys nor their parents want to leave any time soon.
The Noonamah Rodeo may just give a sense of the community, the fun and the raw outback energy that keeps them here.
Due to the hot Territory conditions, the rodeo takes place in the late evening. Under bright lights, men, women and children of all ages gather for a night that seems never-ending in its colour, cheering crowd and cowboy hats.
It feels like a rock concert, couples standing with their cans of beer and Guns 'N' Roses blaring from loudspeakers.
There's not just bull-riding, but back-flipping motorbike action and car burnouts to keep the event's energy at peak levels.
So what does it feel like to be 12 or 14, climbing onto a steer to ride into the middle of this madness?
"You sort of just suck it up, forget about the fear," Lockie said.
"Just squeeze everything as tight as you can and hold on for the eight seconds that you're on there.
"And you don't realise how long eight seconds is, until you're on the back of a bull."
