Moree’s Rebekah McMahon has recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the United States of America where she spent more than two weeks conducting duties as the 2018 Rodeo Queen of Australia.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
During her USA trip, Rebekah represented Australia at the Stockyards Rodeo in Fort Worth, Texas and the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo in Cheyenne, Wyoming – the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration. She also spent some time travelling in Nebraska.
It was the 21-year-old’s first time travelling to America and overseas and an experience she said she’ll never forget.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Rebekah said.
“It was absolutely amazing, it’s very different from what we have back here.
“Everything is bigger and louder. They go full-out, the whole towns get involved. The rodeos are week-long events.”
READ MORE:
The Ashley local was in Fort Worth from July 11 to 15, during which time she was out and about with Miss Rodeo America Kerri Sheffield and the other state queens attending various meet and greet events.
She also had the opportunity to do a fly-by around the arena.
From Fort Worth Rebekah made her way to Cheyenne where she spent July 15 to 24 participating in promotions such as luncheons, meet and greets, pancake breakfasts, country music concerts and more.
A highlight for Rebekah was participating in the Cheyenne street parade on Spirit, before riding Willy and galloping down the racetrack.
“The fly-by down the racetrack was amazing,” she said.
Rebekah said Cheyenne was an amazing rodeo and definitely the highlight of her reign as Rodeo Queen of Australia so far.
She was particularly awe-inspired to be in the same arena where American rodeo legend Lane Frost was killed as a result of injuries sustained while riding the bull, Takin' Care of Business, in 1989, of which the 1994 film 8 Seconds was based.
“Lane from 8 Seconds lost his life in Cheyenne,” Rebekah said.
“To be in the same arena as him was pretty amazing.”
As Rodeo Queen of Australia, Rebekah’s role is to be an ambassador for the sport, promoting events interstate while actively encouraging spectators to attend.
“I’m the face of rodeo,” Rebekah said.
“I also represent all women in rodeo, and do promotions and help behind the scenes.”
The role has so far taken her all over Australia and, of course, to America, where Rodeo Queens of Australia have been attending Fort Worth and Cheyenne rodeos since 1994.
Prior to being crowned Rodeo Queen, Rebekah had never even been on a plane before.
“This year has been absolutely amazing, nothing else could even compare,” she said.
“It’s unbelievable.
“I’ve gained more confidence, and personal growth.”
This weekend Rebekah will head to Noonamah Rodeo in the Northern Territory, near Darwin, before attending the Dalby Rodeo in November.
Her reign will continue until May next year when the 2019 Rodeo Queen of Australia is crowned.
