Community
9 July, 2025
Rodeo royalty preparing to make Mount Isa pilgramage
There's just one month to go until the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo and one NSW family can't wait.
Dust, sweat, and a journey of 2400km – nothing will stop Brad and Tayla Pierce from bringing their family to this year’s Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.
Hailing from the rugged foothills of the Snowy Mountains in Tooma, NSW, the Pierce family’s pilgrimage to the red dirt of Isa speaks volumes about the importance of this legendary event.
Brad is a fifth-generation Australian cowboy and multi-buckle winner across bulls and broncs.
He’s making the long journey north with his equally famed rider wife, Tayla, and their kids, Ryder and Katie.
Brad is the third generation in his family to win Australian Professional Rodeo Association titles – a staggering achievement.
Between them, the Pierce family brings unmatched depth of rodeo experience, national and international titles, and a generational love of the sport.
Brad’s father Jim and grandfather Johnny are both national title winners, while Tayla is the daughter of legendary bullrider Dave Johnson (the first man to ride the legendary Chainsaw), and champion barrel racer Trish Johnson.
Tayla herself is a top barrel racer and breakaway roper.
The kids are all in, too. Ryder, aged 12, will compete in Mount Isa on the mini bulls, while Katie, 10, will barrel race and rope.
Katie also sings like a bird, and may – just may – perform the national anthem at Buchanan Park.
This year’s Mount Isa Mines Rodeo runs from August 8 to 10.
