Meet our newest ambassador, Jayden Sewell — a saddle bronc rider whose story is rooted in the red dirt of the Australian outback and the grit it takes to make it there. At just 15, Jayden left home to work on a cattle station in far North Queensland, spending five years mastering horsemanship in its rawest form. It was those early mornings on fresh, unpredictable horses — not the arena — that first ignited his passion for riding broncs. From there, the jump to competing at rodeos felt like a natural next step, and five years on, saddle bronc riding has become less a sport and more a way of life. In 2024, he claimed the Rookie Saddle Bronc Championship title — a milestone that reflects both his talent and the patience he swears by. We're proud to welcome Jayden to the PainPod team.
Jayden, tell us about your background and the journey that's brought you to where you are today?
It all started when I was 15, I moved from home to go work on a cattle station in far North Queensland. I pursued that for 5 years, then came home to continue cowboyin around the Hunter Valley.
What first drew you to Saddle Bronc Riding, and what keeps you coming back to it?
So working up north they never had the best horses so every morning it was a gamble on how your day was going to be. There was no better feeling than having a horse saddled on a fresh morning and its hunchback blowing fog from its nose literally looking like a dragon and the sunrise peaking through the trees and it was time to get on this juiced up ball of fur. Yes there were days I landed in the dirt but getting up, getting back on and trying to get that sucker rode was something I enjoyed most and that's what led me to getting on bucking horses at rodeos.
How long have you been competing, and how has your riding evolved over that time?
I've competed in other events but saddle bronc has been the longest. Competing for 5 years now and it's definitely changed the way I look at things, I don't do it for fun now it's more of a lifestyle.
How do you balance competing, training, and the rest of life?
Well I don't really train in the gym as some people do, I stay fit in the pasture working and riding horses, gathering cows.
Saddle Bronc Riding can take a serious toll on the body — what does your recovery routine look like?
It definitely does leave you battered and bruised but my recovery routine is a bit different to most. When I'm feeling sore or my muscles are stiff I get on a horse and go for a ride. I've found it keeps my body seasoned and after a while you don't get as sore after a weekend of rodeoing.
Have you experienced setbacks along the way, and how have they shaped you?
Experiencing setbacks is a part of rodeo — everyone's gonna have to face them at some point. I've broken plenty of bones but having a strong mindset and keep moving forward, you'll achieve anything.
What are the keys to success for anyone who wants to follow a similar path in the sport?
Keys to success is patience — always be patient in yourself and the goals you've set for yourself. You can't rush greatness.
What's your proudest career highlight so far?
2024 Rookie Saddle Bronc Champion.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don't hold back and let it all hang out — have fun, don't take it so serious.