In our story on Page 10 Australian Rodeo Queen Cheyenne Mundey of Warwick showed what’s behind the stereotype depicted here – a beautiful young woman on a horse whose only job, seemingly, is to look glamourous and get the rodeo off to a good start. Here are some interesting snippets that came out of her chat with AMELIA WILLMER.
Best excuse for getting on early
Often Cheyenne organises the order of events at rodeos, and competitors frequently negotiate to change their allotted times.
This request at the Stanthorpe Rodeo took the cake.
Beaudesert Competitor: “Hey Cheyenne, do ya reckon you could get my horse into the chutes early?”
Sheyenne: “Yeah? Why’s that mate?
BC: “Well, my wife’s waters have just broken and I reckon I might be needed at hospital this arvo”.
Respect for First Nations people
“First Nations people make up a big percentage of rodeo competitors and they are an important part of our Rodeo family,” said Cheyenne.
A good mate with whom she works closely is Wakka Wakka man Damien Bond who is the Australian Rodeo Association’s official Indigenous Coordinator.
Damien is also an artist and is pictured here with one of his paintings done on sheepskin.
How American cowboys see us
Two regular questions Cheyenne was asked during her time on a Texan ranch was:
“Do you ever ride the kangaroos to work?” and “What’s it like to hug one of them Cola Bears?”
Message to Meghan Markle
“Just because you get a crown doesn’t mean you only do royal duties. A Rodeo Queen’s role behind the scenes involves a lot of unpaid hard work which you do because it is in your blood and for the love of the institution.”
Gratitude to Michael
Cheyenne’s partner is champion Open Saddle Bronc Rider Michael Neylon with whom she lives in Warwick.
“He has supported me one hundred per cent. It is lucky we both live and breathe Rodeo,“ she said.
“If I am the Rodeo Queen, the Michael is the Rodeo King. He is my mentor, always calm and always there anticipating what I need before I even know I do. Like after the Grand Entry I think: “I better put the flag in the bag” and I turn round and Michael’s already done it. I think: “Jeez I’m thirsty” and he’s there holding a cold bottle of water out to me.
Plans for the Future
Cheyenne says: “I am about to turn 30 and all I can say is Michael would be quite prepared to stop carrying my flag bag and start carrying a nappy bag.
“But I sure don’t think I’ll ever let him use the excuse that Beaudesert bloke did at Stanthorpe!”
Connection with horses
“I love my horse Cowboy. He is my best friend and we have total trust. But he is a Rodeo Horse and he is bred to go. Yet, when a man in the crowd asked me if his little disabled daughter could pat my horse, I was a bit hesitant. But when I saw the look of excitement and anticipation in her little face, I just had to say yes. And horses just know. We got near the little girl and Cowboy immediately went quiet and gently dropped his head for her to stroke him.”
What makes an All Round Rodeo?
The National Rodeo Association conducts 95 per cent of its events as All Round Rodeos. This means there are eight different events. These are: Bulls, Broncs, Barrels, Steer-Wrestling, Breakaway, Rope and Tie, Steer Undecorating, and Team Roping.
Cheyenne says: “Steer Undecorating is like Oz-tag but a bit more dangerous.”
A ribbon is glued to the back of a steer and the young rider has to get to the side of the steer and pull the ribbon off.
Myth that rodeos are cruel
Cheyenne says: “I wish I could show everyone how well rodeo animals are treated. People just see the spectacle of the rodeo but don’t understand what happens before and after it. Rodeos are an extension of human beings’ connection with horses that goes back in human history to the Stone Age. If critics could see the love and care our animals receive they might change their minds. The correct feed, comfortable transport, appropriate rest and recovery after training, good water, good veterinary care, the correct equipment – all of these elements are part of the responsibility of owning a rodeo animal. Ninety-nine-point-nine per cent of rodeo participants respect and care for their animals and there is an Animal Welfare Officer at every event.”
Hints to future Rodeo Queen entrants
Rodeo Queens are judged on four elements: Horsemanship; General Rodeo Knowledge (rodeo rules, horses, who sponsors the local event, animal welfare); Personality (ability to interreact with a crowd and be a confident advocate for Rodeo); and Appearance (“Be yourself. Be you. Don’t worry about fancy, expensive costumes. Let your love of Rodeo shine through,” is Cheyenne’s advice.
