RODEO DRIVES LUCAS
THE thrill of the ride draws Blackwater cowboy, Lucas McKenzie into the rodeo arena and the prospect of winning the event keeps him coming back.
"I love bull riding when you've done a good ride.
"That feeling after the ride is why I keep going," he said.
The softly spoken, shy young bull rider lights up with an unexpected confidence and enthusiasm when he talks about his competitive rodeo dreams and at 18 years of age, he's taken the first step.
Selected in the 2015 Australian High School Rodeo Association international team at the recent Tamworth selection rodeo, Lucas is leaving for America on Saturday, July 18 to compete at the National High School Finals rodeo (NHSFR) in Wyoming.
Currently leading the rookie competition in both the Top Guns and Young Guns competitions at the Great Western Hotel in Rockhampton and sitting second on the rookie and open Central Rodeo Cowboys Association (CRCA) scoreboard, the 18-year-old will only miss two local rodeos when he travels abroad.
Lucas, who lives with his father, Gavin and sister, Addison, 30klms south of Blackwater works for a family partnership which includes his brother Jack and his grandparents, Bevan and Denise.
The family own and operate over 20,000ha of mainly buffel country in the Blackwater region.
With only three years of competitive bull riding under his belt, Lucas said winning the junior title at the 2013 Aussie Bull Games series was a highlight.
In 2014, Lucas tied first in the CRCA rookie title championship but lost to Lawson Nobbs, Moura on a count back.
"I rode poddies for a while when I was little but then had a break and played footy but came back to ride bulls three years ago," Lucas said.
The talented young rider has so far dodged major injury.
"I've never been to the hospital but definitely getting hurt plays on everyone's mind," he said.
Working at home for Dad is the reality at the moment but it's a means to an end for the charming young cowboy.
"I really want to head to America full time when I get to about 21 to compete in the professional bull riding (PBR) competition."