General News
13 August, 2025
Off to the big leagues
A YOUNG Dimbulah cowboy will be spending his 11th birthday on the back of a bull in America during his first round of competition in the Mini Bullriding World Finals.
Weston Hilditch will be showcasing his Aussie bull riding skills at the International Miniature Bullriders Association (IMBA) World Finals in Ogden, Utah, early next month.
The competition is the world’s largest youth bull riding event and provides young rodeo athletes with a platform to develop their skills and compete at the highest level.
Weston possesses the quiet, country demeanor of a Far North Queensland cowboy, but don’t let his reservedness fool you. At just 10 years old, Weston is the 2024 ABCRA NQ Zone All Round Cowboy and Mini Bull Riding Champion, the 2024 Great Northern Series Mini Bullriding Champion and holds numerous other titles for mini bull riding, steer riding, breakaway roping, and barrel racing.
He’s been competing in rodeo events since he was four years old and consistently practices for all of his events.
His accolades and dedication to his sport is what earned him a spot in the Borghero Mini Buckers Australian Team, in which he will compete in the 10-12 years age group.
“I’m very excited to go and ride over there,” the youngster said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like over in America and to see what the bulls are like.”
Weston, along with the rest of the Australian team, will also have a practice session at the property of Josh and Joe Frost – cousins of world-renowned bull rider Lane Frost – before the competition begins.
The young Dimbulah local said he was “very excited” to meet them because he counts them both as his heroes in the bull riding arena.
Dozens of local businesses have stepped up to support Weston in his journey to the US, which he said he was very grateful for.
These include Blenners Transport, Dimbulah Lions Club, Knights Brakes, Laura Rodeo Committee, Mareeba Rotary Club, TGT and Top Stock, as well as those who donated through the GoFundMe page and an anonymous donor.
Weston and his family would also like to thank the following businesses for donating prizes for Weston’s fundraising: 26 Candle Co, Claude Cater Mensland, CRT Mareeba, Graziers Link, Hair by Yahni, Hillbillie Hogs, Junction Hotel, Marama Jewellery, Milinder Farming, Mitre 10 Mareeba, Nipper Brown, Performance Physio, Russo’s Quality Meats, Wurth, Camp 64, Dimbulah Pharmacy and Triple B Ranch.
Weston will be leaving Australia on 29 August with his mother Shandell and sister Jovie, before competing in the World Finals from 3-6 September.
If you would like to make a “very welcomed and appreciated” donation to help Weston on his journey, you can do so via the following bank account information.
BSB: 923-100. Account Number: 47361430.
