FOR our newest rodeo star Tup Forge, her feet have barely touched the ground since arriving back on the family farm at Oxley, North East Victoria, after a thrilling win in the women’s saddle bronc ride on the world stage in the United States last month.
As the first non-American to take out the title at one of the biggest events in the US at the July Cheyenne Frontier Days, Wyoming, the media attention has been frenetic.
With a broad smile as big as Texas and her trade mark plait of long dark hair, 28 year old Tup has amassed a new legion of fans here and abroad.
She agreed it had been a whirlwind period since her big win but appreciated the grounding effect of arriving back home this month.
“It has been crazy,” said Tup.
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“I’ve only been home a couple of days, and I have settled back into work.
“I just feel like the same little old Tup from Oxley, I don’t think it’s even sunk in yet,” she said.
As the media focus fades away, she is able to draw breath and reflect on those two rides that made her the centre of attention.
“I realised I had won once I saw the last girl ride.
“There was only four of us that made eight second rides in the first round and I was lucky enough to win round one.
“And once I got my second horse ride for eight seconds as well, I knew only a few other girls could pass me,” Tup recalled.
She was the only female to ride both her horses, winning rounds one and two.
Tup agreed bronc riding was not only about physical fitness but also mental toughness which enabled her to focus on the two rides.
“Yes, that absolutely helped me.
“It’s all a mental game and I’ve been very lucky in my years of competing to learn how to control nerves and how to set my mind before stepping over the horse in the chutes.
“The night before I rode round one, I was fairly edgy but once I woke up in the morning, I knew I had a job to do and I was ready to go get it done,” said Tup.
Asked to describe what goes through her mind for that short period, “I’m not sure how to explain it, my mind is very blank (I don’t ever hear anyone or the crowd, I only ever hear the horse) but also thinking of all the things I need to be doing as the horse pulls each move”.
“I really enjoyed the first horse (Excalibur), he was a pleasure to ride, big and strong and the second horse (Red Flag Collector) was very snappy and heavy in the front which made it very hard for me to get back to where I should have been.
“I did think I was gone for a few times on him,” she said.
It was an outstanding achievement that put Tup in front.
“Yes, this was such an amazing feeling having a 73 point lead for the win,” Tup said.
She encourages other young women to have a go – albeit with the right training and fitness.
“Any young girl who is wanting to try it out should 100 per cent give it a go.
“You never know where it will take you.
“It’s not one for the faint hearted though - you need to be committed,” Tup said.
As someone who is always up for a challenge, Tup made her debut as a fill-in jockey for the wild horse races while she was there.
“I was so super excited to be asked, I jumped in boots and all with a quick crash course out in the car park,” she said, adding, “We got second.”
Reflecting on her major saddle bronc achievement, “I only dreamed of bringing home the gold buckle for Australia, it’s so surreal to actually have done it.”
“I’m proud of the other Aussie girls as well, it’s a big thing for us to go over there and compete on the other side of the world against the best of the best, it was very overwhelming the whole time.”
Her impressions of the event overall – were massive crowds with more people than Tup had ever seen in her life and a well-run event with the most spectacular shows.
The experience has left a life-long impact on Tup to “never give up and follow your dreams”.
“I’ve always said believe you can and you’re half way there and I think I’ve proved that to myself - anything is possible.”
For Wangaratta-born Tup (Tuppence) Forge raised on a cattle property in the King Valley, she was destined to follow this dream from an early age.
“I spent countless hours in the saddle growing up and still continue to do that today as I work alongside mum and dad (Graham and Anne-Maree) on the family property,” said Tup.
“I didn’t really have a choice growing up to not love horses and the country life.
“I never played your usual sports because weekends and after school was always filled with chores around the farm and mustering which was much more fun anyway,” she said.
Tup enjoyed a brief stint in central Queensland on a cattle station which she loved.
“I enjoy time with my working dogs, and I spend a lot of time with my 93 year old grandma (who also lives on the farm).”
What is next for this world title holder?
“I have no idea - keep on building the family farm as well as holding more events,” said Tup.
“I’m very spontaneous so if something exciting pops up (just like this did 18 months ago) I’ll probably give it a go,” she added.
If Tup could speak to her 14 year old self, what would she say?
“Take more risks and step out of your comfort zone.
“You really have no idea where it could take you and don’t ever let anyone make you think you can’t do something - because you can.”
