FOR Tamworth cowboy Matthew Hollis, bullriding is far more than just a sport.
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It's a passion that has driven the 18-year-old apprentice boilermaker to compete in rodeos all across the state and the country.
A passion that burns so deep, not even a horrific collarbone injury could stop him.
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Now the Kingswood local is preparing for the ride of his life, in the YBR World Youth Bullriding Championships in Aberline, Texas.
Up against the best riders in the world, Hollis concedes that arguably his biggest rival in the tournament is one of his closest friends.
"Chris Wilson from Scone is one of my best mates in the world and at the moment the two of us are tied for the number one junior rider in Australia," Hollis told the Leader.
"There will be some really tough riders at this competition, but I don't think they come too much tougher than Chris."
Hollis' qualification for the world showcase comes just over a year after he suffered a broken collarbone in a riding accident.
"Injuries are all part of it," he said.
"After it happened I learnt to ride with my left hand and now I don't think I could go back to riding how I did before."
The 2016 ABCRA national champion said since the injury, he had been busy preparing for this opportunity.
"I had my last ride before the world championships at the Scone futurity on Friday night," he said.
"It went pretty well and I am pretty excited for my first trip overseas."
Hollis' proud mother Shari O'Neill said she was hopeful her son could find a sponsor to help cover the cost of the trip.
"He has been riding bulls since he was eight years old and has been told he could one day be a world champion," O'Neill said.
"It would be great if a local business or something similar, could get behind him and help him achieve his dreams."
Having recently won her battle with cancer, O'Neill said watching her son ride was "always a thrill".
"He really loves to ride and always has since he was a little kid," she said.
"This is such a great opportunity for him.
"If it goes well it could unlock all sorts of chances for him in America.
"That's why I think it would be great for him to get a sponsor.
"They could get some worldwide exposure and he could get the help he needs to get there.
"It's a win-win."
Hollis will compete from July 31 to August 4.