Bull riding takes center stage at Madison Square Garden

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN (WABC) -- The bulls are back! But don't call it a rodeo. The Professional Bull Riders are back in New York City for the tenth consecutive year competing in the Buck Off at Madison Square Garden.

The PBR was started 23 years ago by 20 bull riders and has been built into a global sports phenomenon.

On the current tour, it features the top 35 bull riders in the world and the top bulls in the business.

Rising stars like Ryan Dirteater spoke with Eyewitness News on what it's like for the chance to compete for $100,000 and a coveted gold buckle. A small town kid from Oklahoma, he says the thrill of stepping out into New York City, not commonly associated with bull riding, and into the grand arena of Madison Square Garden is a rush in itself.

Riders climb onto a 2000 pound animal that's trying to buck them off. The goal is to hang on for 8 seconds - pure adrenaline! To Ryan, it's all about matching moves with the bull and living life on the edge.

You can catch the PBR this weekend at Madison Square Garden. More information at pbr.com or facebook.com/PBR or @PBR on Twitter.