Master of the craft: Colin McTaggart at Warwick Rodeo in Queensland (date unknown).
Colin McTaggart’s love for rodeo transcends personal passion: it’s a cherished family tradition that spans an impressive 85 years and five generations.
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The McTaggart family’s commitment to rodeo excellence, rooted in a deep appreciation for Australian quarter horses and performance horses, has left an indelible mark not only in Australia but also across the United States.
The rodeo legacy began with Colin’s father, Hilton, who claimed the prestigious title of Australasian Buckjump Champion in 1931, setting the stage for a lineage of rodeo champions.
The McTaggart brothers were fiercely competitive, with Colin, Kevin and Bruce all winning open bronc rides at Warwick Rodeo. They were the only three brothers ever to achieve this feat.
From 1953 to 1979, Colin McTaggart’s rodeo journey led to five Australian titles and numerous state honours, solidifying his status as a true rodeo legend.
In 1996, recognising the growing popularity of rodeo, Mr McTaggart founded Rodeo Services Australia, which swiftly evolved into one of the largest rodeo associations in the country.
Supreme balance: Colin McTaggart wins the buckjump competition at Boggabilla Rodeo aboard Tornado.
Over three decades, Mr McTaggart and his family organised over 200 rodeos, transforming the events into impactful fundraisers for various charities, including police boys’ clubs, ambulances, hospitals, schools, riding for the disabled and Blue Care.
Mr McTaggart’s contributions extended beyond the arena, raising funds for medical equipment and pioneering Australia’s first bull riding circuit, generating $70,000 for the community in just two years.
From its humble beginnings, Rodeo Services Australia now sanctions over 80 rodeo events across most Australian states, a testament to Mr McTaggart’s enduring influence. His impact even reached international levels, as he organised the first-ever camp drafting competition in Calgary, Canada, in 2002.
Formerly from Kyabram and currently living in Goondiwindi, Queensland, Mr McTaggart made a special journey to attend Dartmoor’s rodeo last weekend.
Thrilling twist: Rodeo icon Colin McTaggart at his surprise 90th birthday bash, orchestrated by former Rodeo Queen of Australia Dani Quinsee.
Photo by
Kady Hadjab
Former Rodeo Queen Dani Quinsee took advantage of his presence to orchestrate a surprise 90th birthday celebration, which was held at the Peppermill Inn on Monday, February 5.
The venue was temporarily transformed into a living tribute to Mr McTaggart’s thrilling life.
Enhanced by photographs documenting his rodeo career and treasured moments, the atmosphere brimmed with a tangible camaraderie, with friends from various corners coming together to celebrate the local legend, all sporting cowboy hats.
Hailing from Grafton in NSW, Miss Rodeo Queen of Australia Jessica Hicks was present.
From near and far: Dani Quinsee, Colin McTaggart, Joel Whiltshire, Alan McAlister, John Williams and Bernie Wallis.
Photo by
Kady Hadjab
Messages of well-wishes from absent friends added a heartfelt touch to the celebration. As the scrumptious birthday cake took centre stage, Mr McTaggart expressed his surprise and gratitude, saying he felt blessed to be celebrated by a community spanning decades of friendships.
This birthday bash was not just an event but a testament to Mr McTaggart’s enduring legacy and the profound respect he inspires — a celebration of a true rodeo icon.
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