"Bucky" the mechanical bull was installed at the hotel, people flocking in to give their best at "Bucking Good Fun" and filling out the pub with everyone trying for a ride.
The event was organised through Wild South Entertainment, who have been providing entertainment around the South Island for the past 13 years.
Owner and operator Bev West, who ran the event alongside husband Phil, said the tavern was packed with people looking to give it a crack.
Mrs West said most people could last an average of about 20-30 seconds, but the Riversdale community had a particularly good showing — coming down to the wire for the "best rider".
"We had two riders sitting at the same time, 46 seconds, so we had a buck off to get the winner.
"They rode again, with the winner getting 46 seconds again," Mrs West said.
The event was a ton of fun for everyone — both riders and spectators.
"It’s great, and good for the pub.
"People can ride, we get people there to watch, especially older people who don’t want to have a go, but they’ll have a drink.
"When people start staying on though, [the crowd] wakes up, they start cheering."
The mechanical bull rides were all the rage, with a very country swing in the culture and a fascination with some ol’ West fun and games, Mrs West said.
"The bulls are the most popular. Things are very western at the moment, with Yellowstone and that sort of thing. There’s a lot of country music out there now that’s very popular."
