Women Set to Make Rodeo History at Mount Isa Mines Rodeo
A powerful new chapter in Australian rodeo will thunder into the famous red dirt of Buchanan Park in 2026, with the inaugural Ladies Bronc Series set to debut at the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, presented by Akubra.
Featuring 12 elite female competitors, including the potential for two to three world-class international riders, the Ladies Buckjump Series will celebrate the grit, courage and extraordinary skill of women in rodeo, while shining a spotlight on one of Australia's oldest and most iconic rodeo traditions.
The event will carry prize money equal to novice events, with a purse of $2,000–$2,500, alongside the presentation of the Inaugural Ladies Bronc Riding Series Buckle, set to become one of the most coveted prizes in women's rodeo.
The Ladies Bronc competition sees female riders compete using traditional Australian stock saddles, riding one or two handed in a spectacular showcase of horsemanship and courage. The sport traces its roots back to the 1930s, when pioneering women including Violet Skuthorpe, Kitty and Gladys Gill, Berryl Riley and Pat Keneally lined up alongside the rodeo chutes across Australia to ride broncs, forging a uniquely Australian tradition.
While the discipline faded from the spotlight during the 1980s, the spirit of the sport never disappeared. Female riders continued to compete quietly across the country, and in late 2025, a major opportunity emerged through the Australian Professional Rodeo Association to reignite the series and bring Ladies Bronc Riding back to centre arena.
Now, in 2026, Mount Isa Mines Rodeo proudly takes the reins, delivering a showcase that not only celebrates women in rodeo, but also educates audiences about the deep history of the sport and its connection to the traditional Australian stock saddle.
Dr Hayley Rose BVSc, Director of Ladies Bronc Riding Australia said numbers were on the increase and the number of rodeos supporting were also on the increase.
"We have seen a huge surge in numbers in the past six months. We pride ourself on showcasing professional cowgirls and their skills, riding on Australia's biggest rodeo stages on good quality horses is what we aim to do," she said. "Our goal is to build a healthy, supportive, team culture and provide cowgirls with greater opportunities within the sport. This will be released with better pay outs, international opportunities, quality stock, and building professional athlete profiles."
"This is more than just an event, it's the revival of a powerful Australian rodeo tradition. These women are fearless, talented athletes, deeply connected to the heritage of the sport. To see the Ladies Bronc Riding Series in the red dirt of Mount Isa is something very special."
2026 MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO presented by Akubra
Featuring 12 elite female competitors, including the potential for two to three world-class international riders, the Ladies Buckjump Series will celebrate the grit, courage and extraordinary skill of women in rodeo, while shining a spotlight on one of Australia's oldest and most iconic rodeo traditions.
The event will carry prize money equal to novice events, with a purse of $2,000–$2,500, alongside the presentation of the Inaugural Ladies Bronc Riding Series Buckle, set to become one of the most coveted prizes in women's rodeo.
The Ladies Bronc competition sees female riders compete using traditional Australian stock saddles, riding one or two handed in a spectacular showcase of horsemanship and courage. The sport traces its roots back to the 1930s, when pioneering women including Violet Skuthorpe, Kitty and Gladys Gill, Berryl Riley and Pat Keneally lined up alongside the rodeo chutes across Australia to ride broncs, forging a uniquely Australian tradition.
While the discipline faded from the spotlight during the 1980s, the spirit of the sport never disappeared. Female riders continued to compete quietly across the country, and in late 2025, a major opportunity emerged through the Australian Professional Rodeo Association to reignite the series and bring Ladies Bronc Riding back to centre arena.
Now, in 2026, Mount Isa Mines Rodeo proudly takes the reins, delivering a showcase that not only celebrates women in rodeo, but also educates audiences about the deep history of the sport and its connection to the traditional Australian stock saddle.
Dr Hayley Rose BVSc, Director of Ladies Bronc Riding Australia said numbers were on the increase and the number of rodeos supporting were also on the increase.
"We have seen a huge surge in numbers in the past six months. We pride ourself on showcasing professional cowgirls and their skills, riding on Australia's biggest rodeo stages on good quality horses is what we aim to do," she said. "Our goal is to build a healthy, supportive, team culture and provide cowgirls with greater opportunities within the sport. This will be released with better pay outs, international opportunities, quality stock, and building professional athlete profiles."
"This is more than just an event, it's the revival of a powerful Australian rodeo tradition. These women are fearless, talented athletes, deeply connected to the heritage of the sport. To see the Ladies Bronc Riding Series in the red dirt of Mount Isa is something very special."
2026 MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO presented by Akubra
Fri 7th August – Sun 9th August 2026
Buchanan Park Events Complex, George St & Sutton St, Mount Isa QLD 4825
Website and TICKETS ON SALE NOW: www.mountisarodeo.com.au
Buchanan Park Events Complex, George St & Sutton St, Mount Isa QLD 4825
Website and TICKETS ON SALE NOW: www.mountisarodeo.com.au
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