CHAPTER 003
rituals before the ride
At Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, the action doesn’t just begin when the chute gate swings open. It starts in the shadows of the arena, where the cowboys prepare for the raw chaos before their ride.
This is the heartbeat of Australian rodeo culture: raw and electric. The air hangs heavy with dust and sweat, every sound sharpened: the grind of boots on worn timber, the rattle of ropes against steel, the guttural breaths of the animals, the roaring crowd, the announcer’s voice bellowing through crackled speakers.
There’s a silence behind the chutes that only a cowboy knows. The air goes thick with nerves, grit, and the weight of the ride to come. This is the spirit of the rodeo, the world of the cowboy. Meet the riders who live it.
DISCOVER AKUBRA'S COWBOYS
Bob Holder
Born in 1931, Bob Holder is widely recognised as the world’s oldest competing professional rodeo rider. His journey began at 14 when he forged a letter to enter a novice bronc ride at the Tumut Rodeo – and won. In 1959, he became one of the first Australian riders to compete in the U.S. professional rodeo circuit, and over eight decades he has continued to ride across Australia, including at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.
Jed Farrington
Born and bred in Katherine NT, at 21 years old Jed Farrington has fast made a name for himself in the Indigenous rodeo scene. A 71-point win in the Open Bull Ride at the 2024 Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships earned him national recognition and a spot on the Australian Indigenous team for the inaugural Trans-Tasman Challenge.
Jake Curr
Born and bred in Mount Isa QLD, 25-year-old Jake Curr has made a name for himself on the PBR Australia circuit. Jake continues to prove why he’s one of the toughest young riders in the country. Proudly representing his hometown with grit and determination, embodying the spirit of the outback in every ride.
Bryn Francis
At 23, Bryn Francis from Moura QLD is a rising star in the PBR Australia circuit. Known for his relentless drive and competitive spirit, his dedication and passion for bull riding continue to propel him forward in his professional journey. With every ride, Bryn shows the heart and grit that define a true Australian cowboy.
Lleyton Browne
Hailing from Redland Bay QLD, 20-year-old Lleyton is fast becoming a standout in the regional bull-riding circuit. He dominated the 2023 Rosewood Show, riding the notorious Pied Piper for a winning 76-point ride. With every buck he proves he’s one tough Aussie cowboy with his eyes on the PBR dream.
Kelsey Pavlou
Renowned for his fearless riding style and standout performances, his consistency has kept him firmly in the national spotlight. With every ride, Kelsey continues to prove why he’s one of the sport’s most exciting young cowboys, and his best is yet to come.
OUR COWBOYS FAVOURITE STYLES
WESTERN COLLECTION
chapter 004
THE RIDE
In the heart of Australia’s outback, the road to Mt Isa is more than dirt and bitumen, it’s a lifeline carrying stories, sweat, and spirit. Every red horizon, clang of steel gates, and golden dust cloud tells of a community bound by grit, tradition, and the thrill of the rodeo. Riders chase glory, families reunite, a town comes alive. It’s about mateship, late-night yarns, and quiet moments that linger long after the crowd fades.
With every hat tilted against the sun, every hand on the reins, every step into the arena, this is where Akubra belongs.
“The hat I wear is really important to me...if I forgot to bring my hat to this rodeo, I probably wouldn’t even worry about riding.”
— Jed Farrington, Akubra Cowboy
“Before I get on a bull I’m very to myself. Quiet. I go through the same routine every time I get on.”
– Bryn Francis, Akubra Cowboy
“Mt Isa, that’s the one you want to win. It’s the most prestigious rodeo in the country.”
– Kelsey Pavlou, Akubra Cowboy
“The last thing I think of before the gate opens is, just don’t let go.”
— Lleyton Browne, Akubra Cowboy
“You really can’t describe it, ‘til you get on a bull or a bronc yourself.”
- Jake Curr, Akubra Cowboy
