Three time Australian champion, Emma Thompson, made history after back-to-back wins at the National Rodeo Finals.

Six years into her rodeo career, Emma is considered fierce competition.

The 28-year-old went into the 2023 Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) finals holding a firm two titles with record standings.

Her lead of over $17,000 guaranteed her place as champion of the Ladies Barrel Race and the coveted Australian All-Round Champion Cowgirl.

Even with a perfect score, no other cowgirl could accumulate enough points to overtake her lead. This is due to earnings Emma had won throughout the season.

Emma and her horse, Eddie, also had a shot at a third title – Australian Steer Undecorating Champion.

In this event, the duo was behind the three-time Australian Champion and defending ABCRA Aggregate Champion, Sallie Nichols.

“We are both super competitive and it was such a great event to watch unfold on who would be crowed the Australian Champion of this event?” said Emma.

“We are dealing with a horse with a brain, a head of stock with a mind of its own, and cowgirls with hopes and dreams. It is the hardest thing to get the stars to align!”

After two rounds, both Emma and Sallie remained competitive.

The pressure was on in the third round, as Sallie had to rely on Emma to miss out on placing and Emma had to rely on Sallie not to run faster than her.

Emma put down a 2.29 second run, owning a place in the third round.

This secured the aggregate money and, with it, the Australian Steer Undecorating title and the Aggregate Steer Undecorating title.

Eddie also became the highest-earning horse in ABCRA history.

“I owe him everything. This horse has helped me in more ways than one. He carried me through my darkest days, to bring me to my highest,” Emma said.

“When I first got him I had no idea what I was getting myself and Eddie into.

“We just ran drums each day, non-stop. No drills, no slow work, just a hundred miles an hour on an old cricket pitch, galloping from first to second drum.

“As each day went on, the addiction and love of barrel racing grew – despite me not having a clue in the world on how to train a barrel horse.”

Emma first found Eddie six years ago. He had not been touched or ridden in years and Emma took him into her care.

The duo successfully took on the rodeo scene after developing a trusting relationship, Emma did consider retiring Eddie after the National finals, however, she will continue while he is at his peak.

‘’I wouldn’t want to do it with any other horse. He’s my best mate, travelling partner and my ride or die who carries me through life. I’m forever grateful,” she said.

“His health and well-being are the most important thing, but as long as he wants to run, we will.

“After that he can go back to being a paddock ornament with the occasional serve of his favourite food, bananas!”

The duo will now prepare for next seasons’ National finals in 2025.