From First Ride to Gold Buckle: Tyler Lockyer Finds His Place in Rodeo
BY KALMIA SAMBO
Taking up bull riding at the age of 30 might seem late by rodeo standards, but for Tyler Lockyer, it has quickly become a passion — and now, a winning one.
Tyler recently claimed the novice bull riding title at the Robe River Rodeo in Pannawonica, taking home a gold buckle after only a relatively short time in the sport.
His interest in rodeo began through family, particularly his older brother Bevan, who Tyler remembers travelling around and following rodeos in earlier years.
“Last year they started the Robe River Rodeo back up and I just thought, ‘Why not give it a crack?’” Tyler said.
“Ever since then I’ve just been training, getting on bulls and giving it a go.”
Tyler Lockyer reflecting on his bull ride. Credit: Jenson Pryar, Broeedy Smith and Phillip O’donoghue
For Tyler, encouragement also came from older men around town who told him they regretted never getting onto a bull when they had the chance. That was enough motivation to climb aboard.
“Once you get on one, it’s such a good rush,” he said.
“You need to do that again. It’s fun.”
Starting later than many riders meant Tyler had plenty to learn.
He said building confidence, understanding technique and overcoming the nerves were all major challenges, but having experienced riders around the chutes made the transition easier.
Support from mates in Karratha, who had access to training equipment, also gave him the chance to keep practising. But nothing quite prepares a rider for the moment the chute gate opens. Tyler describes sitting on the bull, tightening the rope and focusing entirely on the animal beneath him.
“When you’re ready, that’s you going in,” he said.
“Then you just try to focus.”
At Robe River, Tyler was given some advance information about the bull he had drawn. The word from other riders was simple — it was a spinner. Tyler prepared himself as best he could. For a moment, Tyler thought he had the ride under control before his rope began to slip. He came off unsure whether his effort had been enough to qualify, let alone win. The result did not become clear immediately.
Tyler spent much of the following day watching the other competitors and talking with fellow riders, still convinced someone else would take the title. Then his name was called.
“I couldn’t believe it, really,” he said.
“The boys were all getting excited. It was a pretty cool feeling.”
For Tyler, the atmosphere around the chutes and the adrenaline of bull riding are now difficult to match.
And the gold buckle has only added to his determination to keep going.
Credit: Jenson Pryar, Broeedy Smith and Phillip O’donoghue
He is already talking with other riders about travelling north into the Kimberley to train, as well as heading south to compete at more rodeos. The longer-term goal is to continue developing his skills and eventually move beyond novice competition.
For now, Tyler says he simply wants to keep travelling, keep practising and keep getting on bulls whenever the opportunity comes. It may have started with a decision at 30 to simply “give it a crack”.
Now, Tyler Lockyer has a gold buckle — and a new rodeo journey well underway.
Listen to the full interview below: