Three members of rodeo’s popular Glass family, who recently sold up after many years at Attunga to settle on greener pastures near Willow Tree, have taken top honors on the list of Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft& Rodeo Association (ABCRA) National Champions for 2020.
Mum Jannette’s 17-year-old gelding Snoopy was named 2020 ABCRA National Steer Undecorating Horse of the Year for the second time, son Clint added Open Bullriding Champion to his long list of achievements while youngest sibling Jesse took home the Rookie Steer Wrestling Champion trophy buckle.
Snoopy though has been given the thumbs up from two of the three titleholders. Jannette and Jesse attribute the versatility of Snoopy, who started his rodeoing career as a hazing horse, to be instrumental in presenting them with many wins and placings at rodeos for many years.
Snoop had a disadvantaged start to life by being raised as a poddy foal, according to Jannette.
“The quirks of poddy rearing have stayed with him all these years. He can open a gate or untie himself, but it hasn’t affected his ability to become one of the most consistent timed event horses that will give 100 per cent every time he runs,” Jannette said.
Twelve years ago, the family swapped another horse for Snoopy. He began his career as a hazing horse then progressed into both the steer undecorating and steer wrestling events. He can also boast the ABCRA Steer Undecorating Horse of the Yearfor 2014.
Jesse (24) attributes being able to practice and compete on Snoopy as a big key in landing him his first rookie title. The family’s aims for the future with Snoopy is to enjoy every run they continue to have on him.
Along with Snoopy, Jesse also places dad Cameron Glass (four-times ABCRA Steer Wrestling National Champion who now concentrates on judging at various rodeos around the region) on a pedestal for teaching him the ropes – “the best advice I ever got was to ride as many different horses as you can, and you will learn a lot more”.
“My success is due to competing on good horses and having positive people around me,” said Jesse, who hopes to one day visit the United States to further his rodeo skills.
While Jesse attributes his success to dad Cameron, consistent bullriding older brother Clint considers mum Jannette, also a national champion, his mentor.
“Mum is definitely my biggest inspiration. She’s been rodeoing hard and successfully for many years and doesn’t even look like slowing down,” the 27-year-old said.
Clint kicked off his bullriding career back in 2004 as a gangly young kid riding steers at shows and rodeos. His childhood dream has been to win a national title, now he can cross that off his list. The young cowboy, whose earnings are now close to $50,000 and considers confidence as the key to anyone doing well at their chosen sport, just wants to keep rodeoing for as long as he can – “another national title would be nice” he said.
By Vinnie Todd