Mataranka Mayhem & Rodeo Legends

In this thrilling episode, we're back with the Australian bull riding sensation, Josh Birks, as he shares jaw-dropping stories from the heart of the rodeo world. Josh takes us to the Mataranka Rodeo for the Bucking Thunder Down Under event, an unforgettable experience that even drew the legendary Jason Ahern. He recalls witnessing some of the best bull riding ever, including a remarkable 88.5-point performance at Beaudesert, where fifth place was achieved. However, the conversation takes a somber turn as Josh recounts a tragic incident at Mataranka. Dwayne Fishlock, a bull owner, embarked on a helicopter mission to retrieve his bulls for the rodeo. Tragically, the helicopter hit a powerline near the Mataranka gates, resulting in Dwayne's untimely passing. The aftermath was marked by police and investigators covering the scene with tarps. The next day, Josh woke up to an unexpected scene—a friend with a 20-litre drum full of rum and a trench gun. Shots of rum flowed, and the locals arrived for the rodeo, unaware that it had been canceled due to the accident. Spontaneously, one of the bull owners released scrub bulls, allowing the locals to have their own makeshift rodeo. It escalated to a boxing match, with Alley Cat, a local, knocking out one of the lads, Carter. They even attempted to retrieve a hundred-dollar note from a massive Brahman bull's nose, leading to chaos as the bull tossed Josh and another local over the fence. The antics continued into the night, with a fellow rider's hair being set on fire, prompting him to shout, "Who's lighting fires around here?" The group donned boxing gloves and playfully sparred. From this unforgettable day, professional bulls like Prison Break, Wild Willy, and two others emerged, adding to the lore of Australian rodeo. Josh reflects on his Australian bull riding idol, Troy Dunn, for his massive contributions to the sport, as well as his American idol, JB Mauney, a true cowboy and legendary figure. But his ultimate idol is Luke Schneider, embodying the perfect blend of professionalism and a party lifestyle. Join us for a rollercoaster of rodeo tales, from tragic accidents to epic fights and the legends who have left an indelible mark on the world of bull riding. #propertrueyarn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.