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Ariana Varischetti was raised in the country and the world of rodeo is her life.
She is joining an increasing number of Aussies from the bush who are pursuing a professional career on the international rodeo circuit.
"It's getting so big in the [United] States. There are plenty of avenues to go over there and make a living roping calves," said Ariana from Mackay in north Queensland.
Breakaway roping is Ariana's chosen event.
"There's definitely a lot of girls in breakaway roping, it's quite obvious how big it's gotten," she said.
The aim of the event is simple. It requires a horseback rider to throw a lasso around a calf.
The calf is released into the rodeo area, the horse and rider follow shortly after, and the rider attempts to throw the rope around the calf's neck as quickly as they can.
Cattle property to international stage
With her country roots, the decision for Ariana to get involved in the Australian rodeo circuit was an easy one to make.
"I grew up on a cattle station riding horses, campdrafting," she said.
"I got into it myself, my family doesn't have any [horses]."
Her breakaway roping has already taken her to the other side of the globe.
"I spent probably a year over there in 2015 and I was fortunate enough to live with some of the best breakaway ropers in the world and I travelled around and rode with them," she said.
"It was amazing."
But Ariana said it was a hefty commitment for those involved in the sport.
"Most people spend a lot of time during the week, probably five out of the seven days, practising at home," she said.
"Practice sessions can go for up to two hours."
But Ariana said it was all worthwhile. Her ultimate goal is to go back to the US and pursue the sport professionally.
"[I want] to go back to the states mid-next year and try to spend a bit of time just to see what happens, and go and compete," she said.
"Now that breakaway roping is so big, there's a lot of money [in it] and you can definitely make a living."
Aside from the potential career path it offered, Ariana said there was another simple reason many young women like herself were getting into the sport.
Next generation of rodeo pros
Brooke Frame is just 12 years old, and at the beginning of her bull-riding career.
At this year's Nebo rodeo in central Queensland, it was her first time riding a mini bull.
Brooke said that while it might not seem like much, she took pride in how long she could remain on a bull.
"I think four or five seconds, since I've only done it like a couple of times," she said.
For Brooke, the rodeo lifestyle runs in the family.
"My dad's been rodeoing ever since he was tiny so I just wanted to take on the legacy as well and see if I could be as good as him," she said.
And she has some advice for other young girls looking at getting into bull riding.
"Stay forwards and keep your hand up," Brooke said.
"Just have fun."
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