Chris Jensen’s Blog

Shane Connolly, Australian Rodeo Bull Riding Champion in 1982 and 1987, has offered to open T. J. Welding’s “ MECHANICAL BULL SHOOT OUT ” on Friday 1st May at 8:00 pm for “ Pittsworth’s Broxburn Bash.”
This unexpected privilege has been accepted enthusiastically by the festival committee believing the entertainment value of Shane’s offer is priceless.
Shane, who has his saddler’s shop behind the Tattersall’s Hotel, will use this exercise to help him prepare for a trip to Melbourne the following week, Saturday 9th May, where he takes part in the
“ Legends of Rodeo Challenge.” This event will be part of the “ P.B.R. Bundaberg Rum Bull Riding Series Final ” held at the Rod Lava Arena in support of the “ Jane McGrath Foundation.”
Shane will “ COWBOY UP “ with Graham Heffernan, (Darwin) Danny Salgardo, (Pittsworth) Lance Anderson, (Melbourne) Mitch Deans, (Gold Coast) Col Wilson, (Adelaide) and Steve Thorn. (Camberden) Now with an average age of 52 years, these men all held State or National Bull Riding titles during their careers.
Shane began his pursuit of “ The Buckle ” at the Warwick Rodeo in 1975. After a year of developing his craft he returned to Warwick to win the Second Division Bull Ride on “ Stock Contractor,” one of the rankest, rarely ridden, bucking bulls in Australian rodeo history.
It was only two years later at the Canadian Calgary Stampede when Shane came face to face with the age old adage, “ Bull ridings not IF you get hurt, but WHEN.” Attempting to ride “ Little Six,” Bucking Bull of that year, Shane bucked down on his horn. (clashed heads) This took him off the circuit for six months with a broken jaw and several teeth missing.
However, the addiction of the adrenalin rush, and the eight second ride, had taken hold and Shane’s career saw him compete throughout Australia and the U.S.A. From Warwick to Fort Worth Texas, and Houston back to Mount Isa and Toowoomba. Averaging 110 rodeos per year over 17 years Shane rode time on some of the rankest bulls in the sport. “ Flick Man,” “ Cream Puff,” “ Kiss Me Goodbye,” and “ Ten 80 ” just to name a few.
Shane expounds the highlights of his career were winning Overall Average at the Warwick Australian National Finals in 1980, attempting to ride the infamous “ Chain Saw ” (Australia’s Best Bucking Bull from 1985 to 1991) over eight unsuccessful trips, and through Graham Heffernan, meeting, befriending, travelling with and competing against America’s youngest National Bull Riding Champion, Lane Frost. Readers might have seen the movie “ Eight Seconds ” that told of Lane Frosts extraordinary career and unfortunate loss of his life to the Bull Ride. Shane remembers how Lane Frost would compliment him on his ability to ride either right or left handed. Not a common practise in bull riding.
Coming full circle to retire at the Warwick Rodeo in 1991, Shane has kept up practise sessions to maintain his edge, (keep his hand in) and will be available to offer his expertise to our Bash Bull Ride competitors. Come on out to the Bash and say hello to our very own Rodeo Legend Shane Connolly.

Laurie Muggleton

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