Just five months after his first national competition, Hope Vale’s Tyson “TJ” Ford has been recruited to represent an Australian team at the World Mini Bull Finals in Utah. Photo: Supplied.
Two young cowboys’ talents will take them from Hope Vale to the United States in September after being selected to represent Australia at the World Mini Bull Finals.
Tyson “TJ” Ford, 11, and 13-year-old Kaileb Kyle are currently training hard for their first international competition, which they were recruited for based on their performances over the past 12 months at various events.
In January 2025, TJ competed in his first national competition, with mum Ashleigh Oberluter explaining it was a huge accomplishment that pushed him as a rider.
“Nationals was big, like a huge stepping stone in itself, and then to be invited to an international competition, that’s just a whole new level,” she said.
“It’s the first time for anybody to be recognised out of Hope Vale, and the boys are so young, so that’s a big accomplishment in itself as well.”
TJ said his first international competition was nerve-racking, but he was preparing as much as possible, taking on the same training regime as his lead-up to the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo earlier this year.
“I’m excited and nervous, but I’m also nervous to make friends,” he said.
“I try to ride as much and often [as I can].”
The two boys will be joined by fellow Queensland cowboys on their journey to Utah, giving them the opportunity to meet riders they do not normally cross paths with.
“It’s a team they’re taking down, so nine young people under 17, and they’re from all through Queensland,” Ms Oberluter said.
“A lot of them are competing in different associations, so different regional areas, and so it’s a good way of bringing them all together.”
Despite bull riders competing alone in the arena, Ms Oberluter said ensuring the team members connected was still vital for an athlete’s performance.
“In the first week of the holidays, we’re hoping to get down to Proserpine to have a training run with the group that’s going, just so they can get to know each other as a team and start that bond before they actually travel,” she said.
“It is a very individual sport, in terms of them going out and riding, but without everybody around – their support team, the protection athletes, the chute boss, the managers, the whole rodeo – it just wouldn’t be able to happen at the end of the day.”
Ms Oberluter has also set up a GoFundMe page to help with the costs of getting the boys to Utah, which is currently at about the halfway mark of its goal, and said the support had been overwhelming.
“I’m just blown away; I didn’t actually think it would take off as quickly and as rapidly as it did, but I’m so thankful,” she said.
“I was a little bit hesitant to put it out there, but I’m glad I bit the bullet and ended up doing it.”
To help TJ and Kaileb get to Utah, go to www.gofundme.com/f/red-soil-brothers-get-to-world-mini-bull-finals.
After an impressive 12 months in the Australian bull riding circuit, Kaileb Kyle will put Hope Vale on the map in the United States. Photo: Supplied.
