AT just 12 years old, Chace Wensley is chasing a dream bigger than Texas itself –representing Australia at the Youth Bull Riders World Finals in the US.
It all started back in 2022, when eight-year-old Chace came to his parents with a bold declaration.
“I want to ride bulls,” his mother Amy recalled him saying.
“At that stage, we didn’t even own a cow.
“We reached out to a mate who used to ride when he was younger, and together we found Tim Kelly’s Riding School in Kingaroy. That’s where Chace fell in love with bull riding.”
Chace’s first rodeo was the Mulga Bull Ride at Mulgowie, and competing in his first year with the National Rodeo Association he finished 12th overall.
The following year, he climbed the rankings to fifth place, before in his third year he was sitting in second spot all season until a training accident at Toowoomba left him with a broken leg.
“I had a full leg cast for six weeks and then a half cast for another two,” Chace said. “When I got back to riding, I managed to finish the year in fourth place.”
Now stepping up to the under-15 mini bulls, Chace’s passion for the sport – and the thrill of competition – continues to grow.
“I love having a good time with my friends, pushing my limits, and chasing the adrenaline,” he said.
His bull riding idols include JB Mauney and Jim Sharp.
“JB Mauney is my favourite bull rider and mentor,” Chace said.
“I’m so excited to represent Australia – I’m super pumped for the chance to win a world title.”
When he’s not on the road, Chace trains daily on barrels and rides practice bulls once a week.
“The toughest part of bull riding is staying focused and not putting too much pressure on yourself,” he said.
Chace has recently started homeschooling so he can dedicate more time to his rodeo career.
“My family supports every decision I make – we do a lot of driving! I can’t thank them and our local community enough for their support.”
Local group Red Dirt Australia has launched fundraising efforts to help Chace and the team get to the US, with plans for more community events to come.
“In a few years, I hope to be doing the same thing – just with more buckles! My biggest dream is to be a PBR and NFR Champion.”
