#196 Team Australia at the IFYR: Rodeo, Friendship and Opportunity

Aug 4, 2026

For the third year, Beyond the Chutes connected with Team Australia during their July trip to the United States—but this time, the conversation happened face-to-face.

Recorded at the 34th International Finals Youth Rodeo in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Buddy and Sam sit down with the young Australian competitors to talk about borrowed horses, long flights, broncs, bulls, barrel racing, pole bending, American food, new friendships, and the pride of representing their country halfway around the world.

Then Colin Ferguson joins the conversation to share the story behind the team: the planning, family support, horse connections, travel, and opportunities that make these international rodeo experiences possible. He also looks back on his own first rodeo trip to America in 1989 and explains why young Australian competitors continue making the journey today.

This episode is about more than results in the arena. It is about courage, family, friendship, and what can happen when young people are given the chance to chase a rodeo dream.

Beyond the Chutes is proudly presented by ParaSight System.

#BeyondTheChutes #TeamAustralia #IFYR #InternationalFinalsYouthRodeo #YouthRodeo #AustralianRodeo #RodeoPodcast #RodeoLife #CowboyCulture #WesternHeritage #BarrelRacing #PoleBending #BullRiding #SaddleBroncRiding #RodeoFamily #RodeoFriendships #ShawneeOklahoma #ParaSightSystem #TheseStoriesMatter

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