LEARNING from the best in the business, rookie Wagga bull rider Sean Lynch is chasing a dream to compete on the money-rich American rodeo circuit.

Fresh from two important victories at major meets in Queensland, Lynch, 18, is adamant he will serve a rodeo “apprenticeship” in Australia before contemplating a move overseas.

“This is only my first year of riding with the big fellas,” Lynch said yesterday.

“I want to go (to America), but I won’t be going until I’m ready. 

“I’ll be going in my prime when I get older.” 

Born and bred in Wagga, Lynch competed for three years as a junior bull rider before a stunning breakthrough rodeo season this year.

Along the way, the young gun has forged a strong bond with Wantabadgery stars Rhys and Cody Angland, two of the most outstanding performers on the circuit.

Speaking from Gunnedah yesterday, Lynch described the Angland boys as his mentors and “brothers”.

“I idolise them,” Lynch said.

“I grew with the boys and have learned so much of them.

“They’re like my brothers.” 

With the acclaimed Anglands as tutors, Lynch has blossomed into a rising star of the lucrative rodeo circuit. 

Competing at meets as far a field as Darwin and Mt Isa, Lynch has quickly grabbed the spotlight with notable successes.

In July, the teenager won the bull ride at the famous Stockman’s Hall of Fame rodeo at Longreach before striking gold again at the Emerald Rodeo at the weekend.

Lynch is currently sixth in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association bull ride standings and is regarded as a certainty to qualify for the rich National Finals Rodeo next year.

Two weeks out from the Coolamon rodeo, Lynch is preparing to return to the Riverina, with a family reunion on the cards. 

“I’m coming down with Rhys (Angland) for the Stockman’s Challenge at Gundagai on the weekend,” he said. “I won’t be competing but he will be. Unfortunately I won’t be around for the Coolamon rodeo.”

With bucking stock provided by John Gill, of The Rock, the Coolamon rodeo will be staged at Coolamon Showground on Saturday week. 

The rodeo will feature first and second division saddle, bareback bronc and bull rides as well as two barrel races.

It is the final rodeo before the famed Warwick Rodeo on October 24 to 27. 

Warwick is one of the two richest rodeos in the APRA and one of only two held over four days each year.