Four North West junior rodeo competitors will represent Australia when they compete internationally in the United States.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cloncurry locals Emmy Gallagher, Brandee Ferguson and Cade Ferguson with Holly Forster from Winton will compete in the Youth Rodeo Association Finals in Texas and Oklahoma from June 19-22.
Representing the Australian Junior Rodeo Association, they will compete in events such as chute dogging, poles, tie down, barrel racing, figure 8's, ribbon roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, team roping, steer ride and junior bull ride.
AJRA spokesperson Kate Kunde said the competitors submitted applications with their six best rodeo qualifiers to to be considered to represent Australia.
"International competitions give the Australian kids a competitive edge, but also opens opportunities by being able to mix with children from the other side of the world and form bonds and friendships which are held for the rest of their lives," Ms Kunde said.
"This is an opportunity for the Australian kids, not only to gain incredible experience but to be viewed by scouts at the various Universities and Colleges in the USA.
"If they have an interest in scholarship opportunities to be able to further their educations while chasing their sporting dreams this is a foot in the door for them. "
Ms Kunde said this was not the first time these North West competitors had competed internationally.
"Emmy Gallagher competed on the AJRA team at the International Finals Youth Rodeo in 2017," she said.
"Holly Forster competed at they Youth Rodeo Association (YRA) Finals in Gonzales, Texas in 2017.
"Brandee Ferguson competed at the YRA Finals in Texas 2017 and 2018, and the International Finals Youth Rodeo in 2018 where she also was the first Australian to qualify for the RFD-TV Junior American.
"Cade Ferguson competed at they YRA Finals in Gonzales in 2017 and Edna in 2018. In 2017 he won calf riding event at the International competition, stepping up into the next age group in 2018/ where he ended up third in the under 15 steer ride, at just 11 years old."
The Australian Junior Rodeo Association predict to see great results this year and wish these competitors all the best in their competitions.
While you are here, subscribe to our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox at 6am every Friday.
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
