TWO times APRA (Australian Professional Rodeo Association) breakaway roping champion Sharon McGuire and the 2025 Australian rodeo queen Paris Aldenton graced the Mansfield High Country Arena during a roping clinic held over the first weekend in April.
Sharon, the daughter of the legendary Queensland-born rough rider Jim McGuire has rodeo in her veins and is passing on her roping skills through schools run through Yass River Roping based in NSW.
The two-day school was organised by Jess Andrews who with the help of fellow local horsewoman and four time Australian barrel racing champion, Helena Simpkin, managed to lure Sharon to Mansfield to run a roping clinic suitable for beginners.
“I have done barrel racing and saw breakaway roping as another opportunity to learn something new,” said Jess.
Sharon, a friend of Helena’s, was willing to run the school if there was enough interest to make it worthwhile.
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There were nine participants, both local and from as far away as the Mornington Peninsula and Kyneton, who with their horses travelled to Mansfield staying at the High Country Arena, next to the zoo, for the weekend.
Rodeo queen Paris Aldenton, from Mount Eliza, was also keen to learn from one of the best ropers around.
The sessions were conducted without livestock and included groundwork with a sled dummy pulled behind a quad bike.
“It is about learning basic skills and building confidence,” said Jess.
"I just want to say a huge thank you to Sharon for travelling to Mansfield and running a beginners clinic over the last two days.
“It was an absolute blast, and everyone had an amazing time learning so much from someone like Sharon with her expertise and knowledge of the sport.
“Everyone improved so much over the weekend and look forward to her coming back in the future for more clinics,” said Jess.
