PBR Monster Energy Tour

Following her husband Eric's sudden death in January this year, Gloucester's Heidi Yates has stepped into the boots of her beloved late spouse by taking over the reins of his highly successful bull breeding business.

A beautician by trade turned female stock contractor, American-born Heidi admits that taking over Yates Bulls has not been an easy transition – but she says she's looking forward to honouring Eric's memory at the upcoming PBR Monster Energy Tour – Great Northern Newcastle Invitational on August 11.

"We have six bulls competing in Newcastle – with our star bovine being Chocolate Thunder. He's a bull that Eric bred and he's integral to our breeding program," says Heidi.

"I've had to do a lot of research and learning – the business is so based around DNA and genetics these days, so it's been a steep learning curve," she adds.

"Stock contracting is primarily a man's world – purely because it's so physically challenging working with such large animals. It's a difficult job to do, but we're getting it done – and I take great satisfaction in keeping the business alive for both Eric and our girls. It's a way for us to still be around him and to continue his legacy."

The Newcastle Invitational is close to Heidi's home property at Gloucester, and the diminutive breeder is looking forward to local support from nearby family and friends.  

"Our two daughters will be at the event, as will the strong network of friends who have supported us through these difficult last eight months. It will be special to have Eric's prized bulls compete on home turf," Heidi says.

Heidi and Eric met 18 years ago through mutual friends at the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas, before their romance blossomed and Heidi relocated to Australia.

"I grew up on a ranch in Montana and my father competed in rodeos, so my life when I came to Australia was somewhat familiar – but it was still pretty isolating because I knew no one but Eric," says Heidi.

"But, through the years, I have built my beauty business and developed a really strong network of local friends who I now consider family. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else with our girls now, and it's comforting to know that they'll grow up on the property that was such a huge part of their father's life."

The Yates Bulls will be drawn up against a line up of riders that includes some of the world's best bull riding athletes Hunter heroes Cliff Richardson (Gresford) and Cody Heffernan (Singleton) – when the PBR Newcastle Invitational hits Newcastle Entertainment Centre on August 11.

The Newcastle Invitational is an internationally sanctioned PBR tour event. It forms part of the global series that allows riders from across Australia to accumulate rankings points for the PBR Australia Standings and PBR World Standings, which ultimately determine the PBR Australia Champion, as well as qualification for the multimillion dollar PBR World Finals in Las Vegas.

Tickets are on-sale now for the PBR Monster Energy Tour – Great Northern Newcastle Invitational at www.ticketek.com.au