ROSEWOOD’S own champion bull rider, Lucas Taylor, has been selected to represent Australia at the Yeti Junior World final that will be held in Las Vegas, USA from December 6 to 11.
The young athlete has also qualified for the Youth Bull Riders World Final that will be held in Texas, USA from August 2 to 5, this year.
This once in a lifetime opportunity, is a dream for Lucas who started riding bulls in 2017, before competing in the rodeo season in 2018.
He is also currently a student at Laidley State High School who is focused in Agricultural studies.
To perfect his skill, Lucas practices on his two bulls called Big Belt and Hacksaw, and he also practises with his friends Gabe Wood and Tara Warburton at their property.
Lucas said that in his first year of competing in rodeos he gained the fourth place position in the top 12 for the National Rodeo Association.
“I knew that rodeos were my passion from the moment I started bull riding and 2019 was a memorable year for me, because I placed in nearly every rodeo competition that I competed in,” he said.
“An incident at the Calliope annual rodeo resulted in several stiches after I was stood on by a bull, saw me take some time off because the injury did not heal as quickly as I would have liked it too.
“I had to take two months off which was challenging, but once the injury healed I was cleared to ride again just in time for the finals.”
Lucas held his spot and finished fourth.
“In 2019, I also ended up taking the Aggregate Champion Title in the poddy ride competition and last year I was able to step up halfway through the season with riding in the Mini Bull ride and the Junior Bull ride categories.
“Initially I entered the rodeo final in third position in the Under 15 years Mini Bull, and second position in the Under 18 years Junior Bull competitions.
“After giving it my all in both of these categories I achieved Under 15 years Mini Bull Riding Champion, Under 15 years Mini Bull Riding Aggregate Champion and Under 18 years Junior Bull Rider Runner-Up Champion.”
As a result of Lucas’s commitment to the sport, he is now training and preparing to travel to the USA for what he describes as the “ultimate experience”.
“Travelling to America to compete in bull riding is a dream come true, and it will be a huge opportunity for me to show my skills at a higher level.” he said.
“I have dreamt about this moment, my whole life, and I hope that one day I can achieve my ultimate dream of competing in the Cheyenne Frontier Days which is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo.”
While Lucas is focused on mentally and physically preparing himself for the Yeti Junior World final, he is also asking for support in the costs associated with the travel and living expenses.
“My entire family are so proud, and I am ready to take on the challenge, the costs though are quite high and I am kindly asking for support from anyone who may be interested in assisting me reach my dream,” he said.
“I have created a go-fund-me page on Facebook, called the Lucas Taylor bull rider to represent AUS in USA, and the Grandchester Hotel are also selling raffle tickets to win meat trays every Wednesday night. Any help would be greatly appreciated.”
