TAKING home World and Australian Titles is just the start for Glamorganvale cowboy Nash Jones, who is now focused on becoming Australia’s Best Bull Rider.
Nash, 17, started his journey into competitive bull riding at the age of three through riding sheep and calves with his father Markus Jones by his side.
Nash said his family have played an instrumental role in helping achieve his ambitions. His father Markus was a professional bull rider and taught and supported him in his quest for the No 1 spot.
“I have a real passion for everything to do with bull riding, and I have competed in many competitions in Australia and overseas,” he said.
“These experiences have provided me with a great understanding and excitement to do well, both in the sport and also in my everyday life.”
Last month, Nash competed in Australia’s biggest rodeo at Mount Isa, where he won the 2022 Mount Isa 2nd Division All Round Champion Cowboy, the Junior Steer Ride Title and he was the winner of two events which led to splitting the title win in the 2nd Division Bull Ride contest.
Nash describes this experience as “unbelievable, exciting and a once in a lifetime opportunity”.
“Bull riding is the best feeling ever, the adrenaline is amazing, and the overall fast paced action is like nothing you could ever imagine,” he said.
“If you set your mind to something you truly can do anything.
“Sometimes I do feel a little nervous but the excitement takes over and I just stay focused and aim to hold on for that vital eight seconds.
“Over the years I have made so many great mates, who I have been on so many interesting adventures with, I am really grateful for all of it.”
In overseas competitions, Nash has competed in the USA numerous times.
In 2018, he competed in the Junior High School World Finals where he finished 11th in the World.
In 2019, he competed in the Youth Bull Riding finals in Texas where he finished 7th in the world, followed by the International Mini Bull Ride finals in Los Vegas where he finished 8th in the world.
Nash is now preparing to go back to Las Vegas in November to compete in the America Junior National Rodeo Finals in the Novice Bulls section.
“I can’t wait and I am preparing for this competition by working out, practising on practise bulls at home and by keeping focused,” he said.
“My goal is to one day be the number one Australian Bull Rider, a dream that most bull riders have, but I am in my prime now and I believe that if I keep focused and work hard that this dream could come true.”
