Normanton Rodeo Committee and The Cloncurry Western Club are hosting the three rodeos as a series and, this year wanted to get the younger kids involved. The events are being offered to all children up to the age of 18 years, although only those who join as members with the AHSRA will receive points to be counted towards qualifying for the Australian Finals.

The concept behind the High School Rodeo Association was to encourage rural-oriented youth to stay in school and complete their studies. A beneficial and planned side effect was the emphasis placed on providing scholarship assistance to youth who had nowhere else to turn for funding.

Co-organiser, Kate Kunde, said education played an important part in the total AHSRA program.

“In order to gain the confidence of schools around the country, the association requires high student academic standards. Members must conduct themselves in an exemplary manner with high priority on leadership and responsibility,” Kunde said.

Last year North Queensland had 11 members of the Australian Team (in different events) qualify in the top 10 in the world with two from the North West – Kolt Ferguson (Cloncurry) and Tristan Braden (Mount Isa).  Ferguson secured himself a rodeo scholarship with the University of Wyoming in the USA and is studying engineering.  Braden was offered a scholarship but opted to stay in Australia and further his rodeo career for the time being.

The North West series offers all of the events that are held in the USA which includes: Point events: Breakaway Roping, Barrel Race, Bull Ride, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, Rope and Tie, Saddle Bronc and Bareback. Non-Point Events: Pole Bending, Chute Dogging, Goat Tying on Dummy, Saddle Bronc Steer Ride, Bareback Steer Ride and Ribbon Roping.

Cloncurry will host the AHSRA series on December 4, Julia Creek December 9 and Normanton December 17. Anyone who would like to nominate, contact Kate Kunde on 0428 969 400.