Saddle Bronc Director - Toby Collins....................0417 739 646
Bareback Director - Ben Hall.....................................0401 460 225
Bull Riding Director - Damien Viney.....................0439 222 759
Steer Wrestling Director - Gene McDonald......0457 287 128
Team Roping Director - Aaron Bookluck............0428 411 709
Rope & Tie Director - Campbell Hodson..............0409056082
Barrel Racing Director - Leanne Caban...............0407 574 323
Breakaway Roping Director - Ella Burns .............0458880466
Stock Contractor Director - Mark Patterson........0458402166
Campbell Hodson Round 4 at the Ariat National Finals Rodeo
Image - Gavin Little - The Chute Shooter
FROM THE
HEAD OFFICE
And just like that here’s December!
This bumper edition is coming to you a little later in the month to include all the NFR action. Our Rodeo News editor is currently in the US competing at Rope for the Crown –and we wish Jane all the best! We have several APRA members who achieved that outstanding honour of competing at RFTC – Maddi Harland, Katie Vohland, Sharon McGuire, and Stacey Wilburn. Congratulations!!
NFR
Congratulations to everyone that competed at the NFR and to all our newly crowned Australian Champions. A huge thank you to the NFR committee who worked so tirelessly on making the finals a success.
A big thank you to all our sponsors and suppliers who make the event possible; Ariat, Circle L, Branded Vision, MRM Solutions, PJN Sheds, CRJ Maintenance, HV Power, Country Labelled, Santos, Buck & Co, Malabar – Drayton Coal, Blakprint, Two Rivers Winery, Double M Productions, Equissage, Bling & Speed, Ride Tuff Buckles, Coates Hire Muswellbrook, Marsh Carney Saddlery, Mount Isa Pets & Produce, Yowy, Johnsons Natural Formula, KER Equine Products, VK Vinyl, and the Scone RSL for hosting the Back Number Ceremony.
We also need to thank the Upper Hunter Shire Council for their assistance particularly Anna Brennan to set us up at the new venue, Steve Ernst, Al Hollis and Brett Jones who were invaluable in the time they spent in the tractor and water truck to keep the grounds going well and running smoothly.
A big thank you to all the spectators who came along to support the event and the competitors!
We look forward to Scone next year – stay tuned for details!!
HEAD OFFICE FROM THE
Christmas Rodeo Run
As we head into the huge Christmas Run, please take note of the entry dates for the Christmas rodeos which will vary to normal opening times. We will not be taking any entries outside of these dates – we have extended entries to give more time to enter so please be organised and get your entries done within the timeframes.
Head Office will be closed for the public holidays only and open on normal business days, with reduced staff. It’s a busy rodeo time but I’d also like the office staff to have a well-earned break over Christmas with their families – they’ve been working hard all year, thank you team!
Things to keep in mind over the Christmas Run:
· Entries via the APRA Member portal only
· If you have paid an outstanding amount, please email through the remittance
· You can cancel out of an event through the APRA Member portal at any time up to Monday 12pm (QLD time) and get an automatic refund of the entry fee
· Turnouts can be advised through the APRA Member Portal as well
· Medical/Vet Turnouts will receive a refund of addback when a medical or vet certificate is received by Head Office as soon as possible
· Payouts will be processed on the first business day after the event – providing we have received and checked committee paperwork, and your bank details have been provided and are correct.
· Results will be uploaded as soon as possible after paperwork has been received, checked and inputted into the system.
From all of us here at the office, please travel safely and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year period.
For this All Around Cowboy, the road to the National Finals was defined by consistency, quiet confidence, and his steady commitment to doing the work. Campbell’s year, “It was good,” he says simply. “Started strong in the new season in Warwick.” Helping him enter the year with solid momentum, and freedom that allowed him a break and time to move to NSW, before heading to Wagga Rodeo to kick off a year that focused on the big rodeos Nebo and Easter Rodeos in Victoria before heading on the northern run. Though the run didn’t start off right, he describes how everything “kept getting better right through to the end,” ultimately set him up for the Finals. “A good, strong Northern Run,” he says, “that’s what really set me up.”
Once the Finals began, the pressure on and standings were tight—particularly between him and Toby in the All Around Standings, as well as with Heath in the rope and tie. Winning the last round of the calf roping ignited everything noting that “It’s always good to perform in the high-pressure moments, for yourself and for the crowd.” Even without knowing the exact standings at the time, he had a sense that once he won the round of team roping “I felt like that should have been enough,” he recalls.
Not everything about the Finals was easy. Fresh, tough cattle created unpredictable runs across the Steer Wrestling and Rope & Tie, though the Team Roping cattle were great. Everyone has to deal with challenges but according to Campbell that wasn’t the biggest thing. That’s your horses and makes all the difference and gives a huge advantage when your horses are going well. “It definitely helps when you’ve got 100% faith in the horses your riding,” he shares, “When you have the confidence in them to know they’re going to do their job as long as you do yours. Fairly good chance you’re going to come out on top.” Which is exactly what Campbell did as he secured the Pro Tour titles for Rope & Tie and the All Around Cowboy, and walked away from the Ariat NFR as the Australian Champion in the Rope & Tie and All Around Cowboy as well.
Preparation for the Finals, he explains, wasn’t about changing anything, just keeping steady with rodeos right up until finals week, leaving him “match fit” and ready to go by keeping it simple and making sure his horses’ felt good. “Kept it very simple,” he says. “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
He is quick to acknowledge the unwavering support of Tylen and the boys, who are his biggest supporters all year and always are, as well as his friends and family. Campbell also notes the support of all his sponsors who help him get down the road each year, including the likes of Ariat and HV Power, who also are big supporters of the NFR.
Looking to the 2026 season, he keeps the mindset that has carried him this far: focus on the big ones, stay competitive, and put himself in the running for another Australian title. The move south means the calendar will shift a bit, but he’s unfazed. “As long as you win at the ones you go to, it won’t affect you,”. Family life will shape the coming years with the kids growing up and school on the horizon but rodeo is in their blood, and for now, the whole family loves getting into the truck on a Friday afternoon to head off to the next rodeo.
CAMPBELL HODSON
For Liss Kenny, the 2025 season was a fairytale. A new Australian Breakaway Roping record, the number 1 back number and win after win stacked up for her and Ted. “I had a stellar year,” she reflects. “I didn’t set out at the beginning of the year to do what I did, but in the final months my goal was to have such a big lead going into the NFR that I couldn’t be caught.” And through a combination of effort, composure, and resilience, she did exactly that. Achieving her goal took grit, and an unshakeable determination to finish the season strong, which did her well in a finals week at Scone that Liss refers to as “resilience-building”.
What stood out for Liss at the National Finals wasn’t a buckle or a great run, but having her family there competing beside her. Team roping alongside her little brother, facing off against her dad and youngest brother, was the highlight of her Finals. “It is so cool to get to do my favourite thing with my favourite people,” she says. Those family moments, are the most important thing. But the NFR wasn’t without its challenges. For the first time all season, she felt the full weight of being ranked number one. The pressure got to her more than expected. But Liss is taking the experience with her “I’ve learnt a lot this year,” she shares, “but more so in those few days in Scone.” So she can work the kinks out and return next year sharper and ready to go.
Preparation played a crucial role in her success. After such a big year, she focused on keeping both herself and her horses fresh. “Keeping it fresh and fun is pretty important,” she says, understanding that having fun and resting are as important as being competitive and driven to win.
As Liss achieves her goals there’s a community standing with her, as she shares that “It seriously takes a village to keep the wheels turning on my bus and there is way too many people who have played a crucial role in my year that I need to thank, but they all know who they are.” The biggest support is her family that keep her grounded and accountable through the highs and the lows. Then there’s The Smith’s who let her come rope and the Harland’s for the warm hospitality they always share.
When looking ahead to the 2026 season, Liss plans to keep going forward as long as she and her horses are willing and able. She’ll be adding in seasoning a couple of younger barrel horses to the mix, giving her old faithful a spell from that. As for the rest? She’ll take it as it comes. “Go with the flow—that’s my style,” she says. With a season filled with unforgettable moments, and the kind of dedication that turns goals into realities, no doubt Liss will see where the 2026 rodeo season can take her.
ELLYSA KENNY
CHAMPIONS CHAMPIONS AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONS
For Leanne Caban the 2025 rodeo year began exactly as you’d expect from her, with a winning run in the Barrel Race at Warwick. But what followed was a season defined not just by success, but by Leanne’s resilience and the cowgirl kind of grit.
Late November brought a big setback. A fall from a young horse left her with a broken femur neck, that needed a total hip replacement. With determination she worked through her rehab to make it back into the saddle by mid-February. So she could head to the Tri Series in Victoria. Which brought more challenges with Akka Dakka pulling up lame from an abscess after Kyabram, so it was another break from barrels, for him this time. In late May, Akka Dakka came back strong, and the pair “edged to the top” to secure the Pro Tour win at the end of the season.
The 2025 NFR delivered moments for Leanne and Akka Dakka that made every setback worth it. Among the highlights were her taking the win in both the second and third rounds, to get them closer to that Australian Championship. But even the best riders face pressure, and the final round brought a knocked last drum and a nerve-wracking wait to know if her earlier wins were enough to take the title. They were, her consistency and earlier wins secured her the 2025 Barrel Racing title.
Preparation for the NFR was an entire month off from competition before the finals, which wasn’t ideal, but Leanne focused on fitness, for both herself and Akka Dakka. Making semipaced home runs once a week kept them both running fit. Making the most of it with the same determination that carried her through the season’s challenges.
Behind every great athlete stands a team, and she is quick to thank hers. Most important to Leanne is the support from her husband, Dale, whose farrier expertise is invaluable, as well as his help with packing and preparation to make the long journey to Scone possible. Then there’s the long list of people who know who they are that support Leanne along the way. As well as her personal sponsors: Cinch Australia, Equissage Australia, Prydes Easifeed, Bling & Speed, Double J Saddlery, Feed 2 Go Townsville and Rydweld Townsville.
As for 2026, her plan remains “much the same as always” to keep showing up, keep competing and “Just get to as many rodeos as I can without being away from home too long,” she says, a simple plan, but one that has served her well over the years.
BARREL RACING CHAMPION
LEANNE CABAN
Lochlan wouldn’t have picked how this year would play out for him. Certainly not expecting to finish the year as the 2025 APRA Team Roping Header Champion. By his own account, “We honestly didn't have that good of a year,” he admits with a laugh. “We made a lot of good runs, but we didn’t get paid for a lot of them.” By the end of the Victorian run, he was sitting around 17th or 18th in the standings, outside NFR qualification territory. Life was busy, he’d recently moved houses, and with the season slipping away, finals didn’t even feel like part of the picture. But his determined cousin and Roping partner Dallas, had other plans, talking him into going to Queensland for two rodeos on the northern run. Ending with them getting second and about $3,000 at Mount Isa. Suddenly he wasn’t 18 , he was ninth in the standings. “All of a sudden I was like, well, you know, I’ve made finals heading,” he says. “That was awesome.”
th
With the pressure off and no expectations hanging over them, he and Dallas rolled into Scone with a simple game plan to “Go at the first steer, and if it works, we’re gonna keep doing that,” said Lochlan. The strategy paid off. They won the first round, then the second. Momentum built, confidence grew, and suddenly the pair who nearly didn’t come were genuine title contenders. A second-place finish in round three put them right in the mix. “It wasn’t until then that we thought, hang on—we’ve both got a chance here.”
The finals was pretty smooth sailing for Lochlan, especially as he rode the entire Finals on Aaron Leahy’s horse, Boss, so only had to worry about himself and doing his job. With a little prep each day roping a dummy with different loops, working on a bit of everything. After an awesome week week, the wheels wobbled slightly at the end, and the pair came up short in that last run. But when the dust settled, Lochlan had secured that Heading Championship buckle. He didn’t see it coming. “It was a bit of a shock to win the heading title,” he says. “Even after the fourth round, none of us knew who’d won it. It was that close. When they called it out… I went a bit blank. Lost for words.”
When asked who he’d like to thank for their support over the year and at the NFR, “Aaron Leahy is top of the list,” he says. “He let me ride his horse at Mount Isa, and again at the Finals. That gave me the chance to win a title.” And Lochlan has to thank him for that. Then is his mum and dad, who got him into rodeo and always made sure he had good horses growing up. Also, Dallas, his cousin and roping partner, who was unreal at the finals, he went in aggressive and roped everything as quick as he could, “Without him, I wouldn’t have won the title,” he says simply. “I roped them quick, but he made the runs.” Beyond them, Lochlan wanted to thank the long list of roping partners he’s had throughout the season.
Looking toward 2026, he plans to keep going with what worked. “We love doing the sport, so we just had fun and we roped good. That’s the plan again. Try and get back to Scone and have another shot at another title.”
TEAM ROPING HEADER CHAMPION
LOCHLAN FLANAGAN
AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONS CHAMPIONS AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONS
For Aaron, the road to the Australian Team Roping Heeling title started with a solid start on the Christmas run. He found himself in strong form early, placing second at Myrtleford and won Tumbarumba. “That was a good start to the year,” he reflects, and that early success set the tone for the months ahead. Consistent performances followed through the Easter run and when he clinched a win at Nebo, setting him up on the path to the Pro Tour title. Charters Towers was good and added to his earnings. Even though Cloncurry and Mount Isa weren’t the best, he stayed steady. “Just stayed consistent,” he says, crediting that for helping him secure the Pro Tour title and qualify for the Ariat National Finals Rodeo leaving the Australian Championship in sight.
The national finals were fierce with tight scores and top-level competition. Aaron held his ground. “I didn’t start the finals so good,” he shares, “but I finished off good and it helped.” His highlight came with winning Round 3, a moment that brought relief. “It’s always good to get a win in a round,” he says, and doing his job, one run at a time lead to that victory and him securing the coveted Australian title as well as earning the accolade of being the greatest Team Roper in Australian Rodeo history.
Still, the finals weren’t without challenges for Aaron. Missing the first one was rough. “I shouldn’t have missed him,” he says plainly, with no excuses. Missing that steer hit his chances in the average and forced him to reset mentally. “You can’t let it get to you or it makes it harder,” he explains. But it all came together towards the end. Preparation played a huge part in that, and not just for Aaron. Keeping Roger consistently fit and right to go, was a major contributor to Aaron’s success and even earned him Horse of the Year. “He was feeling good. That helped a lot,” he says. As for Aaron, preparation was simple and consistent. Practice every day. Roping the dummy every afternoon. Keeping his mind right. “Keep in good sorts,” as he puts it, staying steady and ready to do his job.
Behind him was a solid support crew that he’d like to thank, his partner Georgie and his sister Deanna who were there the whole time supporting him, along with the guys that help at home. Of course, he mentions the roping partners he rode with throughout the year as well as his sponsors Fastback Ropes and Rustic Edge that help him get down the road. As well as the APRA.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, he’s keeping things familiar: “It’ll be the same… trying to back it up again.” The season starts right away for him, taking it rodeo by rodeo, with each steer he ropes, aiming to make the most of every one of them. With a strong Christmas run on the horizon, he’s chasing more wins. “Yeah, we’ll be trying to win them that’s for sure,” he says. Aaron’s long list of achievements show that he has the dedication and talent to make it happen.
TEAM ROPING HEELER CHAMPION
AARON BOOKLUCK
The Rodeo arena lights often mask the long, dust-covered hours that build the athlete. Ryley Gibb’s season was a reminder that success isn’t always loud sometimes it’s the product of steady work, and the ability to adapt as things change. The introduction of Extreme Steer Wrestling changed the rhythm of his year: fewer rodeos, but stronger opportunities. “Yeah, I suppose it worked out pretty well in the end,” he says, still sounding a little surprised.
Ryley admits he wasn’t expecting a Pro Tour win, with strong competitors like Chapie setting the pace early at Warwick. It was a strong race heading into the finals and he managed to have just enough won to hold on to the title. The first round was a challenge for many of the timed event competitors, Ryley included with fresh and unknown cattle meaning no one had much insight on their draw. The later rounds showed better runs as they worked out what the stock was going to do in the arena and adjusted to make it work. The highlight being making a good run on the best steer he drew saying, “All you can do is use the good draws when you get them and let the rest work itself out,”. Work out it did as it lead to the bigger highlight of coming away with his fifth Steer Wrestling Australian title.
Preparing for the NFR takes practice and Ryley put in the work to run steers at home even after long, hot days working in northern Queensland. Behind Ryley’s practice runs is a solid support crew. His dad hazing for every practice session and his partner, Hayleigh on the gates. His horse Henry was feeling good and they worked together to get a bit won and Ryley was pretty confident heading down to the finals.
It takes a lot to get down the road and Ryley has plenty of people to thank for their support, his Dad hazing for every practice session and Hayleigh, though new to the rodeo world was happy to help out however she could. Then there’s the rest of the family including Campbell and Tylen who looked after them once they headed towards Scone. A bulldogger always thanks his hazers and anyone who lets him get on great horses wherever he goes and for Ryley that includes Campbell, Shane and Jayden Kenny, Shane Iker and Health Nichols to name a few.
Ryley also thanks his sponsors who’ve backed him for years—Resistol, HV Power, W Titley & Co, The Doyle Group, and Ivy Cell Therapy—each one helping keep him in top condition for rodeo. With a head start on the 2026 season thanks to wins at Warwick and Mount Isa in October, Ryley is taking some time to chill and take a break for a couple of months. He’s thinking of ducking down south to some of the summer rodeos before Emerald and Roma at Easter time. Though it really depends “If I can sit still for long enough,” he laughs. “Sounds good now, but come January, if the boys book a flight, I’ll probably be getting on the same one.”
STEER WRESTLING CHAMPION
RYLEY GIBB
For Bailey O’Dell the 2025 season began with breaking open, what in hindsight were modest goals and a quiet determination. He was hoping simply to make the Open Saddle Bronc finals and secure a rookie title,. “My goals were probably just to make the top 15,” he shares. “I was just going from rodeo to rodeo.” But sometimes the biggest seasons begin with the smallest expectations. What followed was not only a “pretty good year,” as he modestly puts it, but one full of titles, Rookie Saddle Bronc and Rookie Cowboy of the year, Pro Tour Saddle Bronc, NFR aggregate and the Australian Title plus a season earnings record broken along the way.
Entering the finals as the No. 1 in the Saddle Bronc, for his rookie year, he carried the accomplishment with humility. Just gratitude and a level-headed approach. Winning the Pro Tour was a privilege, he says, but his focus heading into the Ariat NFR was simple: secure the Australian title and stay consistent enough to chase the average too.
Bailey arrived at the finals after a short “rough patch,” confidence not quite where he wanted it, but once he got the finals he rode the first and carried that through to ride all four head. He went into the Finals chasing the average and “I knew you have to be pretty consistent,” he says, to do that and consistent is exactly what he delivered, winning the aggregate. Still, he reflects on more than just the titles. “You can always be wishing for the end result,” he says. “But you’ve got to have a pretty good journey to get to the end result too.”
His journey wasn’t without its challenges. A slump in confidence and a buster that lead to a knockout late in the season, had Bailey going back to basics on the practice horses at home to get it all sorted out. That kind of preparation is ongoing for Bailey, who keeps his spur board set up right in his room, so it’s right there for him to get on it as much as possible and to keep him thinking about it so it’s fresh and nothing feels unfamiliar when he gets on the back of a bucking horse.
Support is woven into every success. Bailey’s “amazing” mum and dad are always 100% behind him, and give him the flexibility to work and rodeo. Toby and Brittany Collins are just a short drive away and always ready to help him out whether it’s bucking out horses or lending a hand. Brad Pierce was another Bailey thanked for lending him his saddle at the start of the year, which he rode in all season, noting “I wouldn’t be riding without his saddle,” he said, “so I’d like to thank him too.” Not forgetting his sponsors who are behind him, nor the long list of people who keep the rodeo world running. Along with his extended family of supporters who were there at the finals supporting him, something he doesn’t take for granted, acknowledging “I’m very lucky to have all of them behind me,”.
Looking to 2026, his goals echo the same confidence that carried him through this year to stay as consistent as he can. He’d like to try breaking the earnings record again, keep improving, and taking the shot while he’s still young. With entries already lined up, for the weekend through the Christmas run, Bailey’s not slowing down anytime soon. “I don’t like having too much time off,” he laughs. “I feel like I get a bit rusty.” But if this season proved anything, it’s that his approach is working and it’ll be exciting to see what he achieves next.
SADDLE BRONC CHAMPION
BAILEY O’DELL
CHAMPIONS
For Jarrod McKane seasoned bareback rider, the past year was nothing short of remarkable. He broke the season earnings record, that he set previously. Not only broke earnings record but secured both the Pro Tour and his fourth Australian Champion title and gold buckle in the Bareback Bronc as well. When asked about his 2025 Rodeo season, “To be honest, I probably couldn’t have had much better of a year,” he shares. He made the most of every opportunity to get on good horses to shape a winning season. All the while having fun travelling down the road with Molly, his wife and little boy Lenny.
Sydney Show was his biggest win for the year and is a favourite of Jarrod’s. The Northern Run stands out as one of his favourite highlights, not only for the competition but for the simple pleasure of having his family there with him and taking the little fella down the road. Among his competitive highlights, one moment stands out as Jarrod won the final round at the National Finals Rodeo on Silk Touch, an equal National Finals record with an outstanding 89-point ride. “It definitely had to have been the highlight for me,” he notes. Overall it was a good finals, good fun and a perfect spot, with the move to Scone.
The path there, however, wasn’t without minor setbacks and challenges. A brand-new glove, not quite broken in, became an unexpected obstacle. With a few blisters on his hand, he rode through the pain as it’s all part of getting the job done. Then a glove change in round four so he could keep his hand shut.
To prepare for the finals Jarrod stayed fit, but shared that a lot of it is in your mindset. Bareback riding demands a strong, positive mindset, and he challenges himself to keep his mind right. “A lot of people let their minds play too much of a game with them,” he says. For him, it’s about trusting the work he’s put in, challenging himself just enough, and having fun along the way.
It’s Jarrod’s family, parents and Molly’s family that are first to mind when asked who he’d like to thank for their support. As well as his friends, sponsors and the long list of people who stand by his side and make rodeo possible. Without them all he wouldn’t be able to do what he does.
As for the season ahead, he’s keeping things open. “We say every year we’re going to have a quiet year, but then we get a bit excited and we just keep going,” he laughs. So Jarrod and his family are seeing where the year takes them. Knowing that he’ll probably see an event on and decide that he’s just gotta go. You never know, maybe chasing another title. “You can never rule it out,” he says. “You’re always striving to do it. It’s just a matter of how hard you want to go.” If this past year is any indication, we might be seeing him collect his fifth Bareback Australian title next year.
BAREBACK RIDING CHAMPION
JARROD MCKANE
Toby Collins built his rodeo season quietly day by day, round by round. Managing to stay healthy all year meant everything just kicked along pretty good throughout the year for Toby with no setbacks.
For the 2025 season Toby kept his focus mostly on rodeos down south since they’re closer to home, but of course started the new season in Warwick as many do. Just enjoying the sport of rodeo worked out well for Toby and his wife Brittany as he ended up in a good position. When it was time to head north for the wintertime that kept him in a good spot heading towards the finals and secured Britt her spot in the finals too. The start of the 2026 Rodeo season with Warwick and Bourke kept Toby ready to go for the finals, as well as a couple of practice bulls and a bronc at home to stay in riding shape.
The finals themselves were what every cowboy hopes for, including a win on the Bulls in the second round and a third in the fourth round Saddle Bronc. For Toby drawing McPhee’s Big Ty in the fourth round of the Saddle Bronc was a highlight as he’d seen it go a few times in October and was keen to have a go. With his experience challenges were few, and he accepted the rough outs and bulls that got him down but “It wasn’t the end of the world,” he said. “They were just good bulls and just happened to get me down on the day.”
The first person Toby thanked for their support is his wife Brittany. She keeps their life together on rodeo road. “She does everything,” he says, and he means it. Toby shared that his parents were there along the way too, his dad helping with practice, both his mum and dad keeping an eye on their place when they were away and his mum also made the trip to Scone for the finals to cheer him on and celebrate his gold buckle with a couple quiet drinks after a massive day of rodeo.
Bruce and Bailey O’Dell were also a big help to Toby with practice, coming over to help him buck bulls and broncs to stay sharp before the big show. He also thanks his in-laws, Vern and Helen, came to watch the finals and lend their support.
Then made sure to thank the many people who brought the finals to life, from the NFR Committee, to the Stock Contractors for bringing great stock, the rodeo committees for their year-round work, and Daniel Rogan and Dylan Weir for keeping the competition tough all year. Looking ahead to 2026, he plans to roll on much the same—back into the Christmas run. He’ll be there, nodding his head again, putting in the work, and doing it all with the quiet persistence that lead him through this season and to, not only the Pro Tour Bull Riding title, but also the gold Bull Riding buckle.
BULL RIDING CHAMPION
TOBY COLLINS
HORSE OF THE YEAR
Steer Wrestling
Dave owned by Shane Kenny
Hazing
Scamp owned by Shane Kenny
Barrel Racing AkkaDakkaownedbyLeanneCaban
Breakaway Roping
Ted owned by Liss Kenny
Tied Heeling
DenzelownedbyShane&JorjaIker
Heading
Deuce owned by Jayden Kenny
Tied Rope &Tie
MetalownedbyShane&JorjaIker
Tied Rope &Tie
ShortyownedbyCampbellHodson
Tied Heeling
Roger owned by Aaron Bookluck
Steer Wrestling
Tom Willoughby
Barrel Race
Dusty McPhee
Breakaway Roping
Georgie Kapeller
Bareback Ride
Jarrod McKane
All Around Cowboy & Rope & Tie
Campbell Hodson
TeamRopingHeaderandHeeler
RopeMcPhee&JacksonDixson
Bull Ride Nash Jones
Saddle Bronc
Bailey O’Dell
All Around Cowgirl
Tyra Spring
Images - Gavin Little - The Chute Shooter
BUCKING STOCK OF THE YEAR
Bareback Horse
754 Rosie’s Boy owned by Gill Bros Rodeo
Saddle Bronc Horse
TRX Hilltop Hustler owned by Tumbarumba Rodeo Co
Bucking Bull
0030 Bad Company owned by Brendan Halden
Images - Cherie Reeves Purple Fairy Imagery and Bootface Photography
Protection Athlete
Josh Birks
Pickup Man
Peter Kelly
Images - Cherie Reeves Purple Fairy Imagery
AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR
NEBO RODEO
For the third year in a row the APRA Affiliate of the year is Nebo Rodeo! Voted by the Ariat National Finals Rodeo qualifiers each year, Nebo has secured the title in 2023, 2024 and 2025. A well deserved achievement for a team that delivers a fantastic event with the best in rodeo for competitors and rodeo fans alike.
“As a committee it’s a pleasure for Nebo Rodeo to be recognised as the competitor voted three time APRA Affiliate of the year” said Nebo Rodeo Vice President, Jarrod Deguara.
You know you’ll have an unforgettable time at Nebo Rodeo with actionpacked schedule of rodeo and live music to top off the evening.
Congratulations and thank you to the Nebo Bushman’s Carnival Inc committee that bring us the Nebo Rodeo each year. Your hard work, heart and community is exactly what it means to be a part of Australian Professional Rodeo. Don’t miss the next Nebo Rodeo, May 15-16 2026.
RanchRoundUpatCaulfieldRacecourse
Melbourne Racing Club invited the M5 Rodeo Promotions team to share the western world to the city with the Ranch Round Up at Caulfield Orr Stakes Day in November. The Ranch Round up showcased Professional Rodeo, Reining and Cutting to racegoers, sharing the horsemanship and the athletic talents of these western disciplines.
The response was incredible, with demonstrations and the chance to try their hand at some of the foundational rodeo skills. Leaving them keen and wanting to get involved and find their next rodeo.
Thank you to the many people who brought this collaboration and showcase to life.
Entries are ONLINE only through the Member Portal. https://my.prorodeoportal.com.au/
Cancel Outs via the Member Portal - Until 12 noon Monday (the week of the rodeo unless otherwise stated. A fine of $5 applies per rodeo to all cancel outs. After this penalties as per Rules 22.1 to 22.8 apply.
Late entries are Friday to Monday 12 noon unless stated differently below. If there are more than 12 in an event, a late fee of $50 applies. 12 noon Monday is the absolute latest to enter, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will further entries be taken after this time. The only exception is if there’s less than 12 in an event.
All times are strictly Queensland Eastern Standard Time where daylight savings does not occur.
All contestants must have a zero balance in order to enter rodeos. If you have unpaid fees you are currently ineligible to be put in a draw.
False communication with the Entry system, regarding entry procedure. ACTION: A fine of $30, first offence; $60 second offence; $100 upon the third complaint.
Entries will NO LONGER be accepted via email, phone or by fax.
PERSONNELCLASSIFIEDS
JUDGES
Cody Angland
Robert Bandy
Brian Bonde
Peter Bookluck
John Brearley
Ian Brown
Dale Carter
Larry Cann
Brad Cavanagh
Don Childs
Brett Cross
Clint Dolan
Thomas Durbridge
Jim Dix
Darrel Edwards
Paul Emerson
Terry Evison
Brian Fish
Karen FIsh Jnr
Eddie Fisher
Craig Fisher
Stuart Frame
Graeme Fruend
George Fruin
Mark Gibb
John P Gill
Jayne Good
Ben Hall
Allen Heath
Joel Hilditch
Craig Jack
Barry jones
Teresa Jones
Shane Kenny
Tom Kenny
Gary King
Clayton Lane
Deon Lane
Anthony Lillyman
Brian Lawless
Garry Longney
Brian Lovett
Bruce Marsh
Alan McKenzie
Robert McPhee
Jeff Miller
Brian Nilsson
Scott O’dea
Terry O’Neill
Brad Pierce
Jim Pierce
Nevil Reed
Mavryn Remfrey
Jamie Reynolds
Lindsay Rosetta
Brett Ryan
Robert Searle
Adrian Sclanders
Alan Simpkin
0428951956 Wantabadgerry NSW
0439814305 Tamworth NSW 0417545039 Yepoon, QLD
0427432319 Nilma North, Vic 0428987922 Warwick, QLD 0418132229 Birralee, Tas
0427185145 Jerry Plains, NSW 0428221579 Yarraman, QLD 0428176062 Kingaroy, QLD
0417854553 Elizabeth Downs, SA 0458520577 Alton Downs, QLD 0414356327 Black River, QLD
