Rising rodeo star Josh Snell is congratulated by sponsor Mitch Newman after the 15-year-old claimed the junior bull ride with an 80-point effort at the Mount Carbine Bull and Bronc Ride on Saturday night. Photo: Supplied.
After impressive showings at the Laura and Mount Carbine rodeos this year, 15-year-old Josh Snell is now three weeks and a long-haul flight away from realising his dream of an eight-second ride in the United States.
The rising rodeo star has qualified to compete in the 2024 International Miniature Bullriders Association (IMBA) World Finals in Utah from 3-7 September, a significant achievement for a junior cowboy who only got into the sport two years ago.
IMBA is the world’s largest youth bull riders’ association with contractors from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Australia, and will provide Snell with the chance to pit his skills against not only top quality bucking stock, but also some of the best junior riders on the planet.
With the race now on to secure a passport, Snell told Cape York Weekly he was thrilled to be heading to Ogden’s Golden Spike Arena for the event, but added he planned to approach it like any other rodeo.
“It feels amazing, a dream come true,” he said.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to achieve for many years.
“I won’t treat it any different – I need to keep my head in the game and class it as a local rodeo.”
Snell’s mother, Teegan, described the invitation to ride in the United States as the “opportunity of a lifetime”.
“It’s hard to put into words how proud I am,” she said.
“It’s a surreal feeling that he’s made it, I’m so happy for him.
“It’s a massive moment in his life and an opportunity of a lifetime; we can’t thank the Borghero Mini Buckers (IMBA’s Australian contractor) for running the series to make this possible.”
After winning the junior bull ride with an 80-point effort at the Mount Carbine Bull and Bronc Ride on 10 August, Snell caught up with publican Mitch Newman, who sponsors the up-and-coming rider through his company Great Northern Pastoral.
Mr Newman said he could not wait to see how Snell performed in the United States and that riding time could set him up for a career in the sport.
“It just opens up so many pathways with him getting in at such a young age,” he explained.
“If he does well over there, he could be over there full time in a year or two; America’s where the big money is and where the big names are made.
“This could also be his ticket into the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) in Australia as well.”
The Mount Carbine publican said Snell’s invitation to ride in the United States demonstrated the value in sponsoring promising young athletes from remote areas, and urged other business operators to keep an eye out for opportunities to help them realise their dreams.
“There’s so much talent in these small towns,” Mr Newman said.
“There are so many talented kids and any help we can give them can help these kids’ dreams come alive.
“Don’t be scared to jump on board, because every little bit helps.”
A fundraiser for Snell’s trip will be held at the Mount Carbine Hotel-Motel on 24 August and will feature live music, and barbecue dinner, raffles, and auction and a Q&A session with the up-and-coming rodeo star.
The event gets under way at 5pm with overnight camping available at the pub.
