Two teenagers will show off their bull and horse riding skills at WA’s biggest rodeo after recently competing for Australia in Texas.
Cash Kestell (14) and Coby McCarthy (13) will kick-off The Muster at Claremont Showground with daring rodeo action.
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READ NOWThe young riders represented Australia at the World Miniature Bull Riding Championship in Texas last year.
Cash said it was a dream come true when he was selected to represent Australia in the extreme sport.
“I was stoked, I just about hit the roof,” he said.
“I was jumping around. I haven’t had a feeling like it before.
“I definitely put a lot of hours trying to get into it and then just getting an outcome like being able to head over there, I was just really happy and chuffed with myself.”
Hard knocks off the bull haven’t stopped the 14-year-old from setting his sights on turning bull-riding into his career.
“I’ve been concussed and last year I got my leg stomped on and got a haematoma on the back of my leg,” he said.
“I was just a little bit nervous getting back on after that one but you just have to push through it.
“Definitely the dream when I turn 18 is to head to the US to do all the big rodeos.”
That was also the goal for Coby, who placed in the top 10 at the world championships.
“It has been a dream of mine since I was pretty young,” he said. “I watched my dad compete over in Sydney and watched people on the TV doing it and I just thought that’s cool and wanted to also do it.”
The pair are hoping to compete in the US again this year if they can get sponsorship.
Coby told PerthNow he could not wait to ride in front of a home crowd for The Muster.
“My favourite part of the rodeo is the crowd and the amount of people that want to show up to watch and just have fun,” he said.
“Any rodeo in a highly populated place makes it just 10 times better. I’m excited to show off my skills to everybody.”
The Muster will be at the Claremont Showground on Saturday, April 13, kicking off with about 190 riders bull riding, roping, barrel racing and more.
As the sun sets, a country music extravaganza will begin with performances from Australian-born country phenom Morgan Evans and Travis Collins, Beccy Cole, Lane Pittman and Sara Berki.
Attendees will also be able to enjoy a Wild West-themed silent disco, karaoke, whip cracking, electronic bucking bull and rides.