Community & Business
8 July, 2021
Local barrel racer set for arena action
Mareeba local Markayla Shephard will be just one of many riders eager to get into the arena this Saturday as the Mareeba Rodeo kicks off for its first ever one-day event.
Mareeba local Markayla Shephard will be just one of many riders eager to get into the arena this Saturday as the Mareeba Rodeo kicks off for its first ever one-day event.
25-year-old Markayla will be participating in the barrel racing events, a sport she got involved in after moving away from camp drafting in 2014.
After getting a taste for the fast-paced adrenaline fuelled sport of barrel racing she has not looked back, participating in any event she could.
“The speed and the adrenaline that you get from barrel racing I just got hooked on it and that was it, now I can’t stop,” Markayla said.
“This year I’m really trying to do as many events as I can get to.
“I’m really excited to be riding in the Mareeba Rodeo this weekend, it’ll be a great day with some good competition.”
The adrenaline is not the only addicting factor to barrel racing as Markayla said that she enjoys the friendships she makes and places she sees along the way.
“You meet a lot of people, and you grow friendships,” she said.
“With the traveling I get to see a lot of new places which is really nice.”
Top level competition and entertainment is assured providing full-on action and plenty to watch over the day long event.
All the usual rodeo events will feature in the arena including all the favourites such as the bull ride, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, team roping and breakaway roping.
With just one day to enjoy the best of rodeo action this year, be sure to head on down to Kerribee Park.
