World’s oldest cowboy still riding high
Rodeo is a traditional part of Australian outback life that dates back 150 years. Our Generation explores the rodeo world, speaking with one cowboy who proves that you’re never too old to saddle up.
By Lucy Mesa
Almost a century old, cowboy Bob Holder continues to buckle down in the rodeos as the oldest professional cowboy in the world.
Speaking with the 93-year-old over the phone, I discovered this cowboy is a man of few words who feels most at home on the back of a horse.
Bob recently made an appearance at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, happening upon eight-year-old Asher McCullough—a local Mount Isa boy known as the youngest cowboy on the rodeo circuit. Despite the generation gap, the pair bonded quickly over the life of the rodeo and their love of horses.
“Bob had a couple of great stories for Asher. Importantly, he told Asher to never ever give up, to keep practicing, and to keep on riding,” Asher’s dad Matt says.
From similar country backgrounds, perhaps Asher will continue to become one of the greats, like Bob. A proper mentor will be required to gain the skills to succeed in the world of rodeo competition and performance. Bob has lent a hand to a few young riders.
“I’ve helped any young person that wants to learn either roping or advise on broncs,” he says.
One of these young people happened to be his daughter, Kerrie Holder. She has taken up the mantle to continue his legacy and has made a name for herself in the rodeo.
In 2023, Kerrie was the inaugural winner of the ladies open barrel race at Longreach's Road to Rodeo and continues to win championships in barrel racing.
Asked what he would say to other young rodeo hopefuls, Bob says, “Keep improving your skills, and remember, you’ve got to love what you do.”
Bob says he didn’t have a mentor when he rose through the ranks.
Upcoming rodeo events
Mosey on down to some upcoming events and experience the excitement of the rodeo.
31 December | Goomeri New Years Eve Junior | Goomeri Showgrounds (QLD)
A chance for the young stars to showcase their talent in the rodeo. Categories include under 8 years, under 12 years, under 15 years, and under 18 years with cash prizes to be won. After the youngsters have their turn, stay for the next big event and watch the professionals engage in a range of rodeo skills in this lively competition.
18 January | Goomeri – Bucking Thunder Bull Ride (QLD)
The National Rodeo Association, was founded in 1966 and originally known as South East Queensland Rodeo Riders Association. Don’t miss these thrilling competition bull rides for novice to junior competitors, with cash prizes up for grabs.
Find more information at nationalrodeoassociation.com. au/events/calendar/
Instead, he learned through his family upbringing, where horses were around every corner.
“I was raised in a droving family. Riding horses was a natural lead into riding broncs.”
Born in Cootamundra, New South Wales, Bob has been competing since a young age, entering his first competition at 14 as a novice at the Tumut rodeo. It was within this event he won the bronc ride category—an event that involves a rodeo participant riding a bucking horse that attempts to throw them.
Throughout his 20s, the young cowboy travelled around the state winning various championships, earning a reputation as a golden rider.
“I joined the Australian Rough Riders Association, now called the Australian Professional Rodeo Association, back in 1945,” Bob says.
In 1959, he was invited to appear on the American rodeo circuit, a tour that culminated at Madison Square Garden, and was one of the first Australian cowboys to participate.
In later years, his specialty was team roping as the ‘header’, whose job is to lasso the horns of a steer while his partner (Brian Lawless, another Cootamundra resident) as ‘heeler’ tackles the hind legs.
Bob has competed in rodeos for 78 years, earning himself a place in the Australian Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2017. After so many years of riding, the cowboy still craves the rush of the rodeo.
“My favourite part is the competition and the livestock. I’ve never thought about stopping. It’s who I am and how I live.
“Living on the land and working with horses and cattle keeps me fit.”
Rodeo continues to be one of the social and sporting highlights of the year for many rural and regional communities, raising millions of dollars for community projects and charities.
“I ran Cootamundra rodeo for 30-odd years, donating profits to The Smith Family, Lions Club, and helped furnish two local hospitals.”
Bob refuses to leave the saddle and stays to inspire all people to embrace “this great country, the livestock, and the cowboy lifestyle”.
A wise man, with a lively spirit, this cowboy will be stopping for no one.
This article is featured in National Seniors Australia’s quarterly member magazine, Our Generation.
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