TWO time Australian Bushmen’s Campdaft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) champion Heath Nichols has his sights set on a deceptively simple target this season – the coveted number one back number.
The 22-year-old Scone-based cowboy, who works as a trainee stock and station agent at MacCallum Inglis, captured his first national title at the Tamworth ABCRA championships on his 21st birthday and repeated the feat in January this year.
He won the steer wrestling after grounding his steer in a time of 4.25 seconds and the rope and tie event in a cracking 9.22 seconds.
Heath took home a swag of titles, buckles, saddles, as well as prizes for his long-time companion Boss as Horse of the Year – but it was straight back on the road for the determined competitor, who set his sights on Cassilis Rodeo a week later.
Since then, Heath has clocked up countless miles.
He’s travelled to Walcha, Wingham, Picton, Goulburn, Bendeemer, Cooma, Tamworth Show Rodeo, Attunga, Forbes, Queanbeyan, Barraba, Dungog, Muswellbrook and Camden, to name a few.
Just recently Heath drove a 16-hour round trip to Tumut, winning the rope and tie, after representing both NSW and Australia at the Sydney Royal Show.
He represented NSW for the third consecutive year, with team members Glen Chape, Walgett, and Jack Hedlund, Gundagai.
“It’s something I really enjoyed, wearing the Australian jersey, as well as for NSW in a competition over 10 nights, it’s not that often you have an audience of 20,000 to 30,000 and people really seemed to love it,” Heath said.
“Unfortunately NSW went down to Queensland in the State of Origin – it was four nights international and six nights State of Origin.”
Heath is crystal clear about his goal now: “The number one back number”.
“The person that wins the most money in the season gets it – I was number three, then last year number two, and I’d like to be number one.”
That means more miles and competing further afield – Heath estimates he’ll need to earn about $40,000 to snare the coveted back number with about 40 competitions scheduled.
Although Heath competes in other events such as saddle bronc, his focus on calf-roping and steer wrestling has been rewarding; he holds the arena record at Tamworth’s Australian Equestrian and Livestock Event Centre (AELEC) for calf-roping in 9.22 seconds.
“I’ve always had a passion for roping calves, it’s what I enjoy most,” he said.
“I started steer wrestling at 16 but roping at eight years of age.”
He was introduced to the ABCRA circuit by his father, well-known stock contractor and former competitor John Nichols.
Long hours on the road matter less if Heath comes away feeling he’s done his best.
“I like to know I’ve been as fast I could be for the steer or calf I’ve drawn,” he said.
Asked about the challenges, Heath said staying focused on his practice regime was among them.
“Staying fit, keeping the right mind set, which is just by practicing, staying confident,” he said.
Three nights a week he trains under lights at Roger Parkinson’s Denman property.
“It can be extremely hard when you’ve had a big day at work, it is sometimes hard to be keen to go and practice.”
He says Greg Frewin, Dubbo, has been a key mentor.
“He’s semi-retired, he used to win everything, beat everyone – he’s very knowledgeable and he’s always been there to help.”
Heath also cites his mother, Michelle Nichols, as a key influence.
“She tells me where I need to be, what I should be doing, she pulls me into line,” he said with a smile.
He’s also thankful sponsorship by clothing company Cinch has helped offset costs, especially with fuel prices climbing.
