Cowgirl Leanne Caban wins dual titles at APRA National Finals Rodeo 2024

At age 56, Leanne Caban is showing no signs of slowing down, scoring an impressive double aboard her trusty steed Akka Dakka in the APRA National Finals Rodeo.

Champion cowgirl Leanne Caban aboard Akka Dakka during the APRA National Finals Rodeo at CQLX Gracemere. Photo: Purple Fairy Imagery - Cherie Reeves

At age 56, legendary cowgirl Leanne Caban won’t entertain talk of retirement - and why would she?

The enduring champion has, for the third consecutive year, claimed both the Barrel Racing and All Around Cowgirl titles at the APRA National Finals Rodeo.

She took an unassailable lead into the deciding rounds held at CQLX Gracemere at the weekend and, despite not producing her best, could not be beaten to the buckles.

“To get three in a row makes me pretty proud,” Caban said.

“Every single title means a lot, of course, but it probably means more as you get older.

Emerald's Leanne Caban won the Barrel Race and All Around Cowgirl titles at the 2024 APRA National Finals Rodeo. Photo: Purple Fairy Imagery - Cherie Reeves

“A lot of my friends can’t ride anymore so I’m really grateful I can still do it.

“I’m certainly not putting up my hand and saying I’m going to retire.

“Rodeo is a little bit like an addiction, it gets in your blood and you want to keep doing it for as long as you can.”

See photos from the APRA National Finals Rodeo here

Caban inherited her love of horses from her parents and growing up in the Queensland outback town of Julia Creek, was involved in pony club and then campdrafting.

After finishing Year 12 at boarding school in Charters Towers, she realised that rodeo was the perfect avenue to continue her horsemanship and possibly pick up some cash.

Leanne Caban has compiled an incredible resume on the rodeo circuit.

At age 23, she took out a loan and bought her first barrel racing horse, a 12-year-old quarter horse gelding affectionately known as Trash.

“I was very green at the time,” Caban recalls.

“I didn’t know too much so I relied friends who told me that he was a good buy.

“I bought him sight unseen on their recommendation - and it paid off.”

Caban and Trash proved a classy combination, going on to set an Australian barrel racing record at the iconic Mt Isa Rodeo in 1994, which stood for six years.

That achievement rates highly for Caban, along with her first APRA All Round cowgirl and Breakaway Roping titles back in 1995 and her most recent APRA trifecta.

Champion cowgirl Leanne Caban. Picture by Luke Marsden.

“They’ve all got their own significance and hold a special place in your heart when you win them but those are some that I certainly treasure. I now have a total of 9 APRA Titles” she said.

Caban’s talents are not limited to just her incredible work in the saddle.

She breeds and trains horses on her family property, with one of her greatest success stories her current mount Morns Akka Dakka Roc who has also claimed his share of honors, including the last three consecutive years as APRA Barrel Racing Horse of the Year.

Caban cannot speak highly enough of the gelding she bought as an unbroken two-year-old.

“He is such a good horse, he’s so consistent,” she said.

Leanne Caban on Akka Dakka at the Mount Isa Rodeo. Photo: Stephen Mowbray

“We can go to a big event and I know we’re always in with a shot of taking home some good money.”

A star performer on the circuit from the get-go, Akka Dakka has seemingly gone up a gear since recovering from surgery in 2020.

He was diagnosed with kissing spine, a skeletal abnormality which causes severe pain and affects a horse’s performance.

He had 12 months away from the sport, during which time Caban did “everything religiously” during his rehabilitation to ensure his return to the arena.

“He came back stronger and better and it shows in his record,” she said.

“It’s been his blessing - and mine as well.”

The Caban family - Dale, Leanne, Maddison and Clay. Photo: Elite Edge Media

Caban says rodeo has given her so much, including an introduction to her cowboy husband Dale, whom she met in 1994.

Their two children Maddison and Clay are also heavily involved in the sport.

“I love the lifestyle and everything about it,” Caban said.

“It’s also our social scene because we’re spending time with our family and friends.

“I’m mindful that I have to stay healthy and so do my horses, which means we choose our events carefully.

“We do what we can when we can and it’s worked out really well for me.”

APRA National Finals Rodeo winners

Bareback: Jarrod McKane

Breakaway roping: Angela Simpson

Team roping header: Campbell Hodson

Team roping heeler: Aaron Bookluck

Rope and tie: Campbell Hodson

Saddle bronc: Michael Johnston

Barrel race: Leanne Caban

Steer wrestling: Ryley Gibb

Bull ride: Dylan Weir

All Around Cowgirl: Leanne Caban

All Around Cowboy: Terry Evison