The Australian and now well-entrenched American bull rider will make his final career appearance at the Tamworth PBR Invitational on Saturday night.

“It will be my last ride, ever,”Clark, who is originally from Maitland, told the Namoi Valley Independent.

“It’s going to be really fun to finish my career near where it all started.”

After gaining a firm foothold on the Australian bull riding circuit, Clark left for the US and has spent the last decade taking on some of the best bulls around, one which almost cost him his life.

Fans might recall Brendon’s exploits as winner of the Ag Quip bull ride in Gunnedah in the early 2000’s.

Today he is one of the sports’ leading profiles and combines guest appearances on the Versus television network commentary team, with stints to promote professional bull riding both here in Australia and overseas.

With over a million dollars in earnings, Clark was just the second ever Australian cowboy to reach the milestone after legendary Aussie world champion Troy Dunn – which in his line of trade is no easy feat.

“It’s pretty hard making a million dollars in bulls,” Clark said.

“When I left Australia I never knew how far I’d go,” he added, referring to  his 2003 debut on the Ford Tough Series.

Bull riders are renown for their physical toughness and Clark is no exception. But there was one ride in 2009 on a bull by the name of Black Smoke in Nebraska which will be forever etched in his mind for all the wrong reasons.

“I had never been on that bull before,” Clark recalled.

“I got a re-ride that day, so I didn’t hesitate (to accept).

“He (the bull) didn’t do anything that bad and the way he bucked me off, it could have gone either way.”

Within milli-seconds of Clark slamming into dirt, the bull bucked again and its hind legs smashed into the cowboy’s chest, all of which was horrifically captured on video.

“I remember a little about it but there’s a lot I don’t,” Clark said.

He described being overcome by a “black cloud” in the moments after impact which left him with a lacerated liver, bruised lungs and busted ribs, among other injuries. He also spent the next five days in intensive care.

It took Clark six months to recover from the ordeal, but one which he thought only intensified his drive to be a better bull rider.

“It probably made me more stronger mentally... to get that confidence back,” he said.

Black Smoke might have dealt Clark the most serious injury but the bull he admires most, Mossy Oak Mudslinger, comes with an equally fearsome  reputation to match.

“He (Mossy Oak) doesn’t pull any tricks, that’s what I like about him,” he said.

“He bucks really hard and has had the best of riders on him.

“That’s what you have got to appreciate in a bull like that.”

Now a familiar name on the US bull riding scene, Clarke has grown accustomed to the attention, from both the media and his fans.

“It’s all part of being a professional athlete,” he said.

“A lot of it is up to you to perform but it is immensely rewarding.”

Life after bull riding will involve more promotional work with PBR and its sponsors, as well as more regular commentary gigs.

Brendon and his wife Allison are also expecting their first child in February.

The Tamworth PBR Invitational is on Saturday at AELEC from 7.30pm. To purchase tickets go to visittamworth.com or via Dial n Charge 02 67 67 5300. 

Get in early from 6pm for a rider autograph session.