Sport
10 July, 2024
Whitehouse ready for mini bucking action
ON the back of a mini bull is where 10-year-old Chase Whitehouse feels happiest, and he is ready to showcase his talents in the Mareeba Rodeo arena this weekend.
Since he was two years old, Chase has always loved the rodeo scene. Growing up watching his brothers compete and his dad working as a protection athlete, he knew he wanted to get out in the circuit.
“My experience with bull riding is really about fun. I’ve been riding for two years in mini bulls and poddy calves when I was younger,” he said.
“To compete in mini bulls, you have to be eight years old. My dad is a protection athlete in the arena, keeping us cowboys safe.
“That’s what got me started in the sport and watching my big brother ride.”
Chase remembers his first ride at the Mareeba Rodeo well, with a full grandstand and a feeling of excitement rippling through the arena.
He said although he was nervous, he put his head down and gave it his all.
“Pretty big crowd from what I can remember. I was feeling nervous at the start and at the back of the chutes, but you try to focus,” he said.
“I was close to riding time but came off just short of eight seconds.”
Being a bull rider is something Chase is very passionate about and has not let his age stop him from making his name known.
“Most of the adults are shocked and say 'you got balls of steel for a little fella',” he said.
“Some get excited once I ride, they come up to me and say, ‘good ride’ and high-five me. Makes me feel good that it makes them happy they are watching a bull ride.”
With only a few days left to prepare for the 2024 Mareeba Rodeo, Chase is locked in and ready to ride.
He has spent hours training at home and is ready to bring home his very first buckle.
“My game plan for Mareeba rodeo is to ride time in mini bulls – every cowboy wants to win their own buckle hopefully I get one this year,” he said.
“At home, I’ve been getting on our bucking drum and some poddies at my dad’s.”
Chase will join a lineup of mini bull riders this Saturday and Sunday in the Mareeba Rodeo Arena. Tickets for the event are on sale at the Mareeba Rodeo website or at the gate.
