A real life rodeo romance was celebrated at Mount Isa Mines Rodeo when champion cowboy Fred Osman married his sweetheart, Canadian cowgirl Kyla Dolen in the famous red dirt arena in front of thousands. An hour after he married Kyla, Fred successfully defended his Open Bareback title. It was a fairy-tale day for the cowboy – he got the girl and the crown!
One of the great international rodeo love stories was celebrated when twice Australian Bareback Bronc champion, and three time and current Mount Isa champion, the legendary Fred Osman (36) from Cameron’s Corner in the far west of New South Wales married his fiancé, Canadian cowgirl, Kyla Dolen (35) on the famous red dirt of the Main Arena at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo! The couple married at high noon in front of the capacity crowd, before Fred rode in the final and retained his Open Bareback title and buckle.
Kyla, from Northern Alberto has moved from where it’s minus 40 degrees, to live in one of the most remote locations in Australia in Cameron’s Corner (where NSW, SA and QLD meet) and a temperature of 40 above. Kyla grew up ranching in the Northern BC and the Ukon. Twelve years ago she worked on the Osman property as a Jillaroo. It wasn’t until the second year when was there that she met Fred – ironically, he was rodeoing in the USA, and came home because he broke his arm. While the spark was lit, it wasn’t until three years ago that Fred visited Kyla in Canada, and they fell in love.
About Mount Isa Mines Rodeo
In 1959, a group of people with passion and an intrinsic sense of potential formed the Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo Inc (MIRRI). Their vision was to put the new, remote town of Mount Isa on the map and raise funds for charity organisations in the new city. Through 63 years of whip-cracking vision and dedication, the event has evolved into legendary status. The event is part of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association’s (APRA’s) national circuit. The event is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland and is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The rodeo schedule includes the Bull Ride (Open, Over 40s, 2nd & Junior Division), Saddle Bronc (Open & 2nd Division), Bareback (Open & 2nd Division), Rope & Tie (Open), Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Ladies Barrel Race, Ladies Breakaway Roping and Mini Bull Rides.
