Fifteen-year-old Josh Snell comes out of the chute on the big stage at the 2024 International Miniature Bullriders Association World Finals in Utah earlier this month. Photo: Supplied.
He may not have recorded an eight-second ride, but up-and-coming cowboy Josh Snell is already setting his sights on his next four-legged opponent after competing on the world stage in the United States this month.
The 15-year-old was invited to come out of the chute at the 2024 International Miniature Bullriders Association World Finals in Utah from 3-7 September and has returned home with an even stronger resolve to chase a career as a professional bull rider.
After impressing in junior events at rodeos in Laura and Mount Carbine this year, the USA challenge was a huge step up for Snell, who told Cape York Weekly the experience was an “eye opener” to life in the arena.
“It was a great experience to be able to have, and an eye opener on a few areas,” he said.
“It kinda felt the same [as the Cape York rodeos] and it was more of a ‘what was the stock going to be like?’ than anything – I just treated it like any other rodeo.”
After spending nine days in the USA, Snell said it was good to be back on his home turf as he turned his mind to his next local rodeo challenge and admitted he wanted to return to international competition to improve on his result, which placed him 13th in the world for the event.
“It’s definitely pushed me to get on and push myself to the next stage at the rodeos,” Snell said.
“I just hope to continue on doing what I’m doing, keep riding at my local shows and get ready for the next one.”
Snell’s mother, Teegan, said it had been thrilling to watch her son doing what he loved in front of an international audience, adding it would not have been possible without sponsor Mitch Newman from the Mount Carbine pub and the Cape York community which supported a fundraiser held at the watering hole.
“It was so amazing seeing him competing and achieving one of his dreams – a proud moment in a mum’s life,” she said.
“It’s definitely brought him out of his shell; his confidence has definitely improved outside of the sport, I think.
“It’s meant the world to have so much community support from family, friends and wonderful people that wanted to support Josh on his journey; we couldn’t be more grateful to everyone that has helped him achieve this.”
Josh Snell’s effort in the USA resulted in him being ranked 13th in the world for the event. Photo: Supplied.
