Rodeo groups from across the country are uniting for the first time under the banner of the Australian Rodeo Federation.

The organisation will represent at least 450 rodeo events and 4,200 members nationally.

Executive Director of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association, Glen Mansfield, says ongoing pressure from animal rights groups has prompted the move.

"This is a really big step for the sport of rodeo," he said.

"The perception of rodeo has gone through hell over the last few years with animal rights groups giving misleading information.

"We really do need to stand up to those kind of attacks."

Historically, state and national rodeo bodies have developed their own animal welfare standards.

But funding has been obtained under the National Animal Welfare Strategy for the sport to develop a new set of nationally endorsed guidelines.

Mr Mansfield says strong self-regulation will be crucial if the sport is to survive over the long term.

"We do have our issues, and some people are still living in the past," he said.

"People who do the wrong thing will be crucified for it, because we want our sport to go on into the future.

"We don't need the ratbags mucking it all up."