Mount Isa Rodeo supports young rider’s US dream
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The Mount Isa Rodeo in Queensland, Australia, is providing $10,000 to help 13-year-old Lareece Daley-Kennedy, a Kalkadoon and Pitta Pitta cowgirl, compete in youth world finals in Oklahoma and Texas.
Daley-Kennedy earned invitations to the competitions following successes at local rodeos, including a second-place finish on her first steer ride and a third-place finish in the Indigenous mini bulls at the Mount Isa Rodeo.
This marks the first time the current Mount Isa Rodeo board has financially supported a young rider directly. The rodeo organisation recently revived itself after entering voluntary administration in 2024, and is now focusing on fostering local talent. Vice-chair Marcus Curr explained that rodeo is a significant part of life and culture for many children in rural areas, who may have fewer opportunities to participate in other sports.
The Mount Isa Rodeo also runs an annual junior clinic, teaching young riders about safety and technique. Daley-Kennedy began riding after learning about her father Nathan Kennedy’s own rodeo career, and sees the sport as a way to follow in his footsteps. She and her family had been raising funds for the trip to the United States through raffles and donations before receiving the support from the Mount Isa Rodeo.
Other young riders, like the Murphy brothers and Cade Ferguson, have also found success with family support and competition opportunities.
