She’s just returned from the United States after a six-month barrel racing sojourn with world champion Molly Powell and her husband ‘Turtle’, 

“I was in Stephenville Texas (the “Cowboy Capital of the World”) , and travelled all the way up to Nevada and over to Wyoming and Oklahoma. I travelled everywhere - it was amazing,” says the former Australian Miss Rodeo.

Now 25, Ms McPhee is gearing up for next weekend’s Ballarat Rodeo, to be held at the polocrosse grounds.

Coming from generations of rodeo riders and racehorse trainers, it’s no surprise she first swung a leg across a saddle at the age of two. 

Her focus is now on barrel racing, and the discipline of crossing paths and making cloverleaf patterns while trying to make the fastest time.

“It’s a family-orientated sport – all our rodeo events are. The Ballarat Rodeo proudly supports beyondblue; it’s a big fun rodeo for the whole family.”