Dallis Wilschefski knows the risks of working with bulls all too well.
"I got stomped on a by a bull, crushed a couple of vertebrae," he said.
But the stock contractor, who supplies some of the Northern Territory's fiercest bulls to the rodeo circuit, is still enamoured by the animals.
"I just love them," he said.
"They are like a pet to me, simple as that."
His pride and joy is a Brahman by the name of Guns N Roses, whose placid demeanour in the paddock belies his powerful performances on the rodeo circuit.
"He was exceptional when we first got him, he would kick clean over his head, and spinning at the same time, almost falling vertically over," Mr Wilschefski said.
In 35 attempts, no rider has ever stayed on the bull for the required eight seconds, giving Guns N Roses an unblemished record.
But with the bull now 11 years old, Mr Wilschefski is about to call time on his rodeo career.
"I'm going to pull him up because I don't want someone getting the glory of riding him simply because he's old and he's past his prime," he said.
The bull's penultimate showing was at the Noonamah Rodeo, where 2,500 punters crammed into the arena to watch cowboys and cowgirls try to earn enough points to ride the feature bull.
"The adrenalin's why we do it most of the time," rodeo contestant Happy Stanfield said.
"You get that kick and you get the love for it and you keep doing it."
Despite his enthusiasm, Mr Stanfield was under no illusions about the prospect of riding the "unrideable bull".
"If you are not scared, there's something wrong with you," he said.
"There's been a few good cowboys come up from down south and try their luck [on Guns N Roses], but, nah, I think he's pretty handy."
By the end of the night, it was another rider, 18-year-old Cameron Walker, who won the right to test his skills on Guns N Roses.
"C'mon Cameron, ride him," a fellow contestant yelled as Mr Walker climbed atop the bull.
As the gate swung open, Guns N Roses surged from the chute and arched his back, sending Walker's body flying off within two seconds.
"He was tough," Walker said afterwards.
"He was a good bull, had lots of power on him."
Guns N Roses now has just one more ride — at September's Noonamah Rodeo.
But Mr Wilschefski has little doubt the bull will keep he perfect record intact.
"I do get nervous sometimes with the good riders, but I'll back him all the way."
