When Lachie Sheppard is in the ring, it is clear it isn’t his first rodeo.
The cowboy from Mitchell has snatched up a second place in the Open Saddle Bronc at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo last week 7 to 10 August.
The Open Saddle Bronc is where contestants attempt to ride a bucking horse for eight seconds.
Mr Sheppard scored 74 in his first round and 82 in the final totalling 157 points and earning him second place.
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is Australia’s largest and longest running Rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere.
Mr Sheppard said placing at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is an achievement as it is one of the biggest Rodeos in Australia.
His horse riding ability comes from being around riding and campdrafting all the time with more than 10 years of experience riding under his belt.
“I started riding and competing because it was sort of something you do and I am around horses all the time for work,” he said.
“I’m on a horse every day and that helps a lot for these competitions.
“A lot of my friends compete in rodeos and my family is pretty well into campdrafting and horse sports.”
By profession Mr Sheppard is someone you call a housebreaker or contract musterer which is someone who trains horses to be saddled to and ridden.
Mr Sheppard competes in rodeos between New South Wales and Queensland and a few in Victoria.
“It is an exciting sport and especially when you do well. I enjoy competing because it’s all about getting to have fun with friends and getting on bucking horses,” he said.
“Sometimes you might be nervous but usually you don’t get too worried about anything when you’re on the horse.”
