General News
30 September, 2025
Cowgirl to make history
FAR North Queensland cowgirl Hayley Rose will make history this weekend when she becomes one of the first Australian women to compete at one of America’s largest and most prestigious rodeos.
Hayley, alongside Emerald cowgirl Emily Howkins, will be the first, and only, Australian women competing at the Grand National Rodeo at the Cow Palace in California.
The event is one of the largest rodeos in the States and Hayley said both herself and Emily will be showcasing their Aussie toughness in the hopes of bringing home a winning buckle.
“We’re definitely excited. We’re going over there to do our best, that’s for sure, and bringing back a buckle is the goal – 100%,” the Chillagoe-raised cowgirl said.
“Getting to compete at this rodeo is very humbling and definitely something to be proud of. To represent your country is a huge honour and is something that you do with pride.
“And it just opens up avenues for so many other things too. It’s a great opportunity for rodeo, rodeo in Australia, and women in sport in general.”
This opportunity for these women comes off the back of their recent success at other rodeos in the States, with both of them competing at the World Finals in Cheyenne earlier this year, in which Hayley placed 6th.
Hayley is also leading the Australian standings for the Women’s Ranch Bronc Riding.
“I definitely feel very lucky. I’m grateful every single day for what I get to do. The body feels good, mind feels good, so you just have to keep doing what you love and keep moving forward,” she said.
Hayley was also pleased that women’s bronc riding had really picked up in recent years.
“It’s fantastic to see. It is an extreme sport and we’re just striving to have our own sanctioned event to showcase our skills,” she said.
“There’s so many talented women who work with horses and cattle every day. So it’s just bringing what we do on a daily basis and showcasing that in the arena.
“It also bring community together. I love being a positive role model in the sport for our younger generations – especially younger women.
“It’s definitely not for the feint hearted by any means, it’s a very physical sport and it’s not one to take lightly.
“However, the girls that are competing are an elite bunch and I’m proud of them. The opportunities that are being presented to us are amazing.”
Hayley has also stepped into a new role within the Australian rodeo industry, combining her work as a vet and cowgirl to become the Veterinarian and Animal Welfare Director for Xtreme Broncs Australia – a professional touring rodeo event.
“I suppose I am in a unique position with my veterinary work that amalgamates with my contract mustering and rodeo, I’m able to join it all together,” she said.
“I have been very blessed recently – taking on the position with Xtreme Broncs. That’s definitely a very exciting platform moving forward.
“I’ll be working with our stock contractors and rodeo associations to help maintain and maximise gold standards with animal care.”
Hayley and Emily will compete at the Grand National Rodeo this weekend and will also compete at two other events before returning home to do the southern Australian rodeo circuit.
