The 60th anniversary of the Ernest Henry Mining Curry Merry Muster will be Ferguson’s first competition after representing Australia at the National High School Finals in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

The 16-year-old described the experience in the US as being the best of his life and will use it as motivation to continue advancing his career.

“It was the most awesome experience I have ever had, as the whole Australian team were so good to be around,” Kolt said.

“Especially when our Sam Terry won the world title in saddle bronc riding, it has motivated me more to want to qualify again next year.”

Although he didn’t win any of his three events against the 1500 competitors, Kolt is taking plenty of confidence from the event.

“My team roping partner Sally Malay and I did a good run in the second round but to get back to the short go, it was all about being consistent and having two good times on the board,” he said.

“I have certainly learnt a lot from this year, and know what to expect next year if I have the opportunity to go back.”

But first, the St Brendan’s (Yeppoon) student will compete at this weekend’s Merry Muster, where he will have a busy schedule.

“I will be competing in three juniors events (junior team roping, junior steer ride and junior breakaway) this weekend,” he said.

“I’ll also be participating in the second division bull ride as well as mixing it against the open riders in the Rope and Tie event and the Open Team Roping.”

Kolt will be competing in similar events at next weekend’s Mount Isa Rodeo.

“I have only really just started in the Rope and Tie event, but you have to start somewhere and why not at the biggest two events in Australia,” he said.

“I would love nothing more than to do my home town proud and put on a good performance this weekend and it will be great to catch up with family and friends.’’ 

Kolt is also appreciating the important things in life after his work with disabled children at the rodeo in the US.

“One of the most memorable moments for our team was participating in the exceptional rodeo for disabled children, where each of the competitors were teamed up with a disabled child,” he said.

“We shared some time together doing some fun parts of rodeo, showing them some moves with a rope, taking them for rides on ponies, putting them on the bucking machine and generally just spending time with them.”

“It really made me appreciate how lucky I am to be fit and healthy.”

Kolt’s father Colin, who also went to the US event, could only praise our Australian team members on their contribution to the exceptional rodeo and how they represented our country. 

“The Australian kids did us proud both with their performance both in and out of the arena – it was certainly a gratifying moment to see them put so much effort into putting smiles on the faces of children less fortunate then themselves,” he said.