2022 APRA National Finals: Emerald’s Leanne Caban takes out dual titles

Emerald’s Leanne Caban has claimed dual titles at the 2022 APRA National Finals. She talks about what it means to her here.

Emerald's Leanne Caban won the barrel race champion and all around cowgirl at the APRA National Finals at Gracemere CQLX.

Emerald’s Leanne Caban has enjoyed plenty of success in her rodeo career but her achievement at the weekend is one she is savouring more than most.

The 54 year old won the barrel racing title at the Australian Professional Rodeo Association National Finals, something she’s desired since she first started in the sport in 1990.

She also took home the All Around cowgirl buckle after strong performances in the four rounds held over three days at Gracemere’s CQLX.

Fellow Central Queenslander Jorja Iker was also in the winner’s circle, taking out the breakaway roping title.

Alton Downs' Jorja Iker at the Ariat APRA National Finals Rodeo at Gracemere CQLX, Friday, November 10, 2022.

Caban said it was great to finally secure the elusive barrel racing crown, which she did aboard her 13-year-old gelding Morns Akka Dakka Roc who had 12 months out of action after back surgery two years ago.

“It couldn’t be better; I’ve won Two All around Titles before, back in 1995 and 1996 and the Breakaway Roping Title in 1996 as well, but the barrel racing title means so much to me,” she said.

“It rates very, very highly because I have been working towards it for a long time.

“I’ve been successful in barrel racing with other associations and I’ve broken an Australian record before but I’ve never been able to secure an Australian title in barrel racing with the APRA.”

The Caban family - Dale, Leanne, Maddison and Clay - are all keen rodeo competitors.

It was also a special win after her daughter Maddison, 18, claimed the APRA junior barrel racing title in June this year.

Caban said despite there being 26,250 points on offer in the finals, she did not focus too heavily on the “calculations”, instead just wanting to maintain the form that had got her to the top of the standings this year.

“I never actually won a round but I was just trying to stay consistent and not knock any drums over so I was a chance in the average and I ended up winning the average as well over the four rounds,” she said.

Caban said the win was all the sweeter, given she achieved it on her beloved Morns Akka Dakka Roc.

Leanne Caban is celebrating a special victory.

“He had back surgery in 2020 and had to have 12 months off and rehab for the last six months of that and he came back stronger and stronger when he did start competing again and he’s just got better and better,” she said.

“I’ve basically had him since he was a two year old and trained him myself so that makes it even more special to win on a horse that I’ve had from a young age and developed all the way through.”

Rodeo is a family affair for Caban, whose husband Dale and son Clay also compete. Clay competed at the APRA finals this year as well and took out Round 3 in the rope and tie.

The APRA National Finals winners

Barrel race champion and all around cowgirl: Leanne Caban

Rope and tie and all around cowboy: Campbell Hodson

Bareback bronc riding champion: Luke Higgins

Team roping - header champion: Ben Smith

Team roping - heeler champion: Kai Clark

Saddle bronc riding champion: Greg Hamilton

Breakaway roping champion: Jorja Iker

Bull riding champion: Cameron Southern

Steer wrestling champion: Ryley Gibb