With only five months of experience under her belt, Gresford’s Rowena Dillon has qualified for the National High School Rodeo Association’s finals in Wyoming.
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A passionate horse rider as a toddler, the 17-year-old has excelled in a number of disciplines, but rodeo is now on her radar.
“I joined pony club when I was three as my brothers Gerard and Thomas were both members,” she said.
“Five years later I started campdrafting and it something I am still involved in.
“I then became involved with stock horses and competed in at the Sydney Royal when I was 13.
“I’ve had a little go at cutting and last year came first and second at Josh and Penny Evans’ cutting day at Vacy.
“But rodeo looked like a bit of a challenge so I am concentrating on that now.”
The Australian National High School Rodeo Association’s Australian finals were held in Tamworth in February with Rowena winning the breakaway roping in the 15-21 years age group.
From here she qualified for the American finals and was also offered a place in the barrel racing event.
Rowena and her father Terry will head to America at the beginning of July for the week-long event starting on the 17th.
It has been suggested they get there prior to Independence Day on July 4 as there are lots of rodeos where Rowena can get used to the horses and practice her skills.
“Rowena has been helped in the rodeo events by protection clown Simon Collins,” Terry said.
“She has been riding his horse for the past five months. After she caught her first calf (in breakaway roping) she qualified for the Tamworth finals.
“Since the finals she has also been helped by Keith Horne and Kellie Salter at Singleton who have helped her with her roping skills.
“She isn’t going over there to win any titles, but to experience the event.
“Despite the costs it will be an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Rowena, who is currently in year 12 at Dungog High School hopes to go back over to America after she finishes her HSC for 12 months.
“I will go to university back here, but I’m not really sure what I am going to do yet,” she said.
“Roping is really big over there and I would love to get more experience.”
Paterson River Pony Club is holding a fundraiser for Rowena at Gresford Bowling Club on June 18.
The American finals to be held in Gillette, Wyoming, will see 1500 contestants from across the United States, Canada and Australia.
The top 20 contestants in each event then advance to a final round of competition to determine who will walk away with the coveted championship buckles.
Girl's events include breakaway roping, barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, cutting, team roping, and the NHSRA Queen contest.
Boys events include bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, and cutting.
Boys and girls compete together in team roping, but are separate in all other events.
