Top Indigenous Cowboys and Cowgirls from Australia and New Zealand to Compete at Mount Isa

Top Indigenous Cowboys and Cowgirls: Mount Isa is set to make history as it hosts the first-ever Trans-Tasman Rodeo Challenge next month. The spotlight will be on the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships, where nine rodeo competitors from New Zealand will cross the Tasman Sea to compete in this groundbreaking event.

Taking place on Thursday, August 8, the Championships will feature the debut of the Ah One x Church Family Trans-Tasman Indigenous Rodeo Challenge. This inaugural challenge will honor the rich heritage of Indigenous rodeo in both Australia and New Zealand, with the prestigious Kalkadoon Arena at Buchanan Park Events Complex in Mount Isa serving as the backdrop.

A Legendary Showdown

The event will see five New Zealand cowboys and four cowgirls, many of whom are affiliated with the renowned Church family of Māori rodeo competitors, compete against the best from Australia. Among the New Zealand participants are reigning and past national champions, adding an extra layer of excitement to the challenge.

The Ah One name holds a legendary status in Australian rodeo history, especially through George Ah One, known as The Carandotta Drover. George and his family famously walked their CARANDOTTA horses over 200 kilometers to Kalkadoon Park for the first Mount Isa ROTARY Rodeo in 1959. Their expertise and care for these horses have cemented their legacy, making the Ah One name synonymous with top-tier rodeo stock in Australia.

An International Rodeo Challenge

The Australian Indigenous Team for the Challenge will be determined based on the outcomes of the Championships held on August 8. The final event of the evening will be the highly anticipated Trans-Tasman Rodeo Challenge, showcasing the top rodeo talents from both nations.

Spotlight on Champions

One notable participant is Lani Jackson, a legendary cowgirl from the Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribe. Lani, who won her first NZRCA Rookie Barrel Race Championship in 1990, holds an unprecedented record of four consecutive Open Barrel Race titles. This year, she also became the inaugural NZRCA Breakaway Roping Champion, further highlighting her exceptional rodeo skills. Lani is also the first cousin to Mervyn Church Senior, connecting her directly to the Church family’s storied legacy.

Looking Forward

The Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships will not only celebrate the legacy of Indigenous rodeo but also set a new milestone with the Trans-Tasman Rodeo Challenge. This unique event promises to be a memorable and historic occasion for rodeo enthusiasts and participants alike.

Don’t miss this landmark event in Australian rodeo history!

Source: https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2024/07/leading-australian-and-new-zealand-indigenous-cowboys-and-cowgirls-to-compete-at-isa/58126/

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