Australian Rodeo queen ties the knot
It's a country girl to the bones who asks if she can barrel race in her wedding dress.
So that is exactly what rodeo circuit sweetheart Stacey McCarthy nee Lambert did.
The former Australian Rodeo Queen looked regal in late afternoon light, blissfully rounding barrels on quarter horse Marvin.
Like a modern take of a western beauty, the relaxed bride showed how the best ride.
"I hadn't actually tried it on horseback before the wedding. But I did a test run the week before and tied some chaff bags to the legs of my jeans and rode around. Marvin was fine with it," she said.
The rodeo stalwart married her childhood sweetheart Jay in a rural wedding on her parents' property in Bullsbrook on February 22.
Stacey and husband Jay have been part of the rodeo scene all of their lives.
She credits her parents' background in rodeos and rural careers as a great influence.
Stacey is also WA National Rodeo Council secretary, an organisation that has been responsible for assisting the establishment of rodeos around the State.
Husband Jay's heritage ties him directly to two of the largest rodeo families in the Eastern States.
Stacey is now rearing to compete under her new moniker.
This year's Wagin Rodeo will be her first entrance to the ring as a McCarthy.
"It will be like starting over. I don't know if anyone will actually realise who I am," she said.
Taking place on Saturday, March 8, Wagin is a major feature in the rodeo season.
The schedule boasts 17 events with prize money of up to $1000 on offer for the Open Bull Ride and Open Ladies Barrel Racing.
Saddle bronc, bareback, steer wrestling, rope and tie, steer undecorating, breakaway and team roping offer an $800 purse.
While Jay will compete in rope and tie and team roping, Stacey has entered steer undecorating, breakaway roping and the hotly contested ladies' barrels.
But spectators may be slightly disappointed. There won't be a repeat run for the wedding dress.
