Trailblazing cowgirls take centre stage at Mount Isa rodeo

The dust is flying thick and fast at this year’s Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, where Australia’s top cowgirls are proving they’re the ones to watch.

Leanne Caban, Dusty Young, 10, Shona Tribe, Sam Ferrari, Julie Campbell and Emily Hawkins are the queens of the rodeo arena. Picture by Luke Marsden.

The dust is flying thick and fast at this year’s Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, where Australia’s top cowgirls are proving they’re the ones to watch.

Among the competitors is Leanne Caban from Emerald, a name that resonates with anyone familiar with the rodeo circuit.

This year, Leanne is poised to solidify her place in history as she competes for her third consecutive Mount Isa All Round Champion title.

Riding her legendary horse, Akka Dakka, she is not only the reigning Mount Isa Barrel Race champion but also a mentor to a new generation of aspiring rodeo stars.

One of those young talents is 10-year-old Dusty Young, a junior barrel racer from Charters Towers who dreams of one day matching the success of her idol, Leanne.

Champion cowgirl Leanne Caban. Picture by Luke Marsden.

While Leanne continues to dominate the barrel racing scene, fellow Emerald rider Emily Howkins is carving out her own path in the bronc riding world.

At 30 years old, Emily is one of the few female bronc riders in Australia, and her journey to this point has been anything but easy.

She’s back in Mount Isa to compete in the Local Station Buck Jump after a whirlwind tour of the USA, where she tested her mettle against the world’s best in some of the most prestigious rodeos.

“I thought I had a crack at the world title after the first day in Cheyenne at the Worlds,” she said.

Emily Hawkins at the Mount Isa Rodeo. Picture by Luke Marsden.

“I rode a great horse, and was feeling really great. Then on the second day, I drew that one horse – an ‘eliminator’ – that we all knew was there in the pen, and no-one wanted.

“His name was ChromeZilla and he beat me good! I still came fifth which means my first ride was a ripper.”

Emily’s journey to bronc riding began in a rather unexpected way. Originally an apprentice jockey, she had a harrowing experience in Toowoomba, where she was bucked off a Thoroughbred seven times in one morning, resulting in a fractured kneecap.

Instead of being deterred, she decided to embrace the challenge and learn to ride horses that buck intentionally. It turns out, she’s exceptionally good at it.

Beyond the headline acts, other seasoned competitors are also making their mark on this year’s rodeo.

Dakota Brandenberg at the Mount Isa Rodeo. Picture by Luke Marsden.

Julie Campbell and Shona Tribe, both former champions and current board members of their respective rodeo associations, continue to play pivotal roles in shaping the sport.

Meanwhile, Sam Ferrari is competing in her second Mount Isa Rodeo, bringing her determination and skill to the Open Ladies Barrel Race. And behind the scenes, Dakota Brandenburg, one of the top stock contractors in the country, is ensuring the rodeo’s success by providing the bulls that make the event so thrilling.

Originally published as Trailblazing cowgirls take centre stage at Mount Isa rodeo