First female pro saddle bronc rider one of many star attractions at Waikato Rodeo

Canadian female bronc rider Kaila Mussell competing at last month's Oruru Rodeo.

British Colombian cowgirl Kaila Mussell will be one of Waikato Rodeo's star attractions at the Kihikihi Domain on Saturday.

Waikato Rodeo secretary, Shelly Patterson says the remarkable Canadian is the only female professional saddle bronc rider in the world.

"Kaila is the first and only woman since the 1940s to qualify to compete with men in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

"It's great having her competing on our national circuit this year, she's certainly a big drawcard where ever she competes."

Mussell is currently lying fifth in open saddle bronc on New Zealand Rodeo's national standings... and surprise, surprise, she is the only female in the field of 19 competitors.

She currently sits on $1551 (one point for every dollar), trailing only Corey Church on $3607, Graeme Gannon $3547, Wade Marshall $2247 and Tom Webster $1659.

Riding rough stock is a family tradition.

Her dad was reportedly a saddle bronc rider and bull rider and her 'mom' was a rodeo queen.

Her oldest brother CEJ rode saddle broncs and steer wrestled and her younger sister Filene barrel raced and rode steers.

Mussell loves the challenge, adrenaline rush, danger, love of the sport - the feeling of being in sync with a bucking horse.

In the equestrian domain, Mussell has competed in horse shows, three-day eventing, and vaulting.

She holds provincial titles in barrel racing and steer riding and has performed as a professional trick rider in rodeos and fairs throughout Canada.

The multi-talented sportswoman is also a nationally certified personal trainer and holds certifications in sports nutrition, cardio kickboxing and yoga fundamentals I.

Mussell has extensive background experience in a wide variety of athletic and equestrian sports.

She has competed provincially in track and field and karate, run cross country, played soccer and competed nationally in powerlifting. She has completed two marathons and trained in mixed martial arts.