AMY MANWARING

“ I don’t think there’s a kid — boy or girl — going down the road with an attitude as good as hers. Most humble kid I’ve ever met. And she doesn’t even realise how good she is.”

— Bull Rider Cody Hotston

Amy Manwaring: The 13-Year-Old Cowgirl Taking on the Bulls and the Boys

In the heart of rural New South Wales, there’s a young rider gearing up for a future few would dare dream of. Amy Manwaring, just 13 years old, is already making a name for herself in the high-stakes world of bull riding — and she's doing it with grit, humility, and a fire in her belly.

Small Town, Big Dreams

Born in Cootamundra and raised in Jugiong, Amy is a true country kid through and through. She’s currently in Year 8 at Murrumburrah High School, where her favourite subjects are maths and woodwork. But truth be told, the classroom isn’t where her heart is.

“She’ll make any excuse to get out of school if it means she can go ride,” says her Dad Max — and honestly, who could blame her?

With a future dream of becoming a leatherworker, Amy is already aligning her passions with a life that revolves around horses, bulls, and hard work.

At home, Amy lives with her mum Nicole, Dad Max, and her older brother Sam, who’s not only family but also making his mark as a bullfighter — and one of Amy’s biggest supporters.

Grand Entry. 2nd from left. Cootamundra April 2025

Cowgirl Culture

When Amy’s not riding bulls, she’s still in the saddle. Her spare time is filled with riding horses, campdrafting, stockman’s challenges, polocrosse, and barrel racing. It’s a lifestyle that doesn’t allow for much rest, but Amy wouldn’t have it any other way.

Her favourite food? A good scotch fillet. She admits she can cook “only simple things,” but when it comes to taste, she’s got high standards.

Off the horse, she loves watching rodeo classics like 8 Seconds and can’t go past a singalong with Grease. But don’t mistake her for soft — when asked what really gets on her nerves, Amy replies without hesitation: “Stupid people.”Straight up.

Rising Through the Ranks

Though she’s only just getting into her first solid year of rodeoing, Amy is already proving she's one to watch. She’s placed in several mini bull rides, and took out first place at her local Coota BBA event — a major milestone. She’s also cleaned up in steer rides, with multiple wins and placings to her name.

And she’s only just getting started.

“To win national titles and hopefully make it to America,” she says, when asked about her ambitions. Simple goals. Massive dreams.

So how does she prepare? Music. Loud and pumping. It helps her get into the zone, ready to face the next bull and whatever it throws at her.

What draws her to the sport isn’t just the competition — it’s the adrenaline and the thrill of going head-to-head with the boys. She’s not trying to prove anything — just ride her best. And it shows.

Bucking Bulls Australia Cootamundra Classic 2025

Respect Earned, Not Given

Being one of the only girls in a male-dominated sport can be intimidating, but Amy’s taken it all in stride.

“At the start, it was awkward — for me and the boys,” she says. “But now, I get help and support from everyone.”

That support includes a strong crew who’ve been with her from the start — Brayden and Steve Oddy, Tim Webb, Cody Hotston, and Wade Nichelle — all names well known in Australian rodeo circles.

Among them, Cody Hotston stands out not just as a mentor, but as a huge believer in Amy’s potential.

“Mate, she’s an absolute champion — as tough as they come,” Cody says. “Whenever we’re practicing, she’s the first one ready, bull rope in hand, ready to get on anything they run up. She’s the definition of a cowgirl.”

“I don’t think there’s a kid — boy or girl — going down the road with an attitude as good as hers. Most humble kid I’ve ever met. And she doesn’t even realise how good she is.”

The crowd behind the chutes appreciate a great ride.

Practice Makes Perfect

Amy trains almost every week at Coota, surrounded by a crew who push her and back her: Cody Hotston, Steve, Brayden, Beau, Jaxon Oddy, and Jasper Bush. It's in the Bob Holder Arena Cootamundra she's sharpening her skills and building the resilience and toughness that bull riding demands.

Her favourite bull rider? No surprise — Cody Hotston. Her favourite bull? Venom, owned by Wade Nichelle. And when it comes to bull fighters, she’s got two favourites: Nick Allen and Zac Maher. She also gives a shoutout to her up-and-coming bullfighting brother Sam, who’s quickly building his own reputation in the arena.

Winning the mini bullride at BBA Cootamundra Classic 2025

The Road Ahead

Amy Manwaring is the real deal — a tough-as-nails cowgirl with the heart of a champion and the humility of someone twice her age. She rides because she loves it. She competes because she can. And she wins because she’s earned it.

Whether it’s a local practice session at Coota or a full-on weekend rodeo, if there’s a bull to ride, Amy will be there — even if it means skipping a class or two.

Australia, let’s get behind her.

Let’s get to know….