The pair met on the rodeo circuit almost a decade ago, and always look forward to catching up at different events around the country.

Both agreed the rodeo was a great place to meet people, because everyone shared the same, or similar interests.

Mrs Caban said the atmosphere around the campground was always cheerful, with most people knowing each other and enjoying the opportunity to catch up.

Mrs Caban competes in Barrel Racing, Breakaway and Team Roping, and although modest about her achievements, she currently leads the all-round cowgirl standings after winning the title in the National Finals Rodeo at the Gold Coast in 2012. Her husband Troy Caban is also a hot contender on the rodeo circuit, having been in every Team Roping final since 2002.

The Tamworth couple have now introduced three-year-old daughter Dekota to the rodeo circuit.

Mrs Caban said rodeo is very important to her and her family.

"I like everything about it really, I just love going away to rodeos and riding horses," she said.

"It is a big part of my life, I would probably get very bored if I didn't do it, but I would save a lot of money I guess."

The family enjoy rodeo so much that they continue to compete even though they expect a financial shortfall every year.

Mrs Caban said it costs approximately $60,000 per year to stay involved in rodeo sports, and in a good year, she expects to make back $40,000.

Nicole Fitzpatrick competes in Barrel Racing and Breakaway Roping and will be a hot favourite after coming in third from a field of more than 40 last weekend at the Curry Merry Muster.

Mrs Fitzpatrick has competed in rodeo sports since 2005 and travels from Tamworth with her husband.

They travel with five of their best competition horses and this will be her first time competing at the Mount Isa Rodeo. Mrs Fitzpatrick said rodeo has become a big part of life for her and her husband.

"We just enjoy it, it's good fun, it's just what we do," she said. - JASMINE?BARBER