Growing up in a rodeo family, was bull riding something you always knew you wanted to do?

Absolutely. Growing up in a rodeo family, I was always eager to get on bulls from a young age. Watching my dad not only ride bulls but also work as a contractor really sparked that passion early on. Being around the sport so much, it just felt natural to want to follow in his footsteps. The energy, the adrenaline, the atmosphere, it all pulled me in, and I knew pretty early that bull riding was something I wanted to chase seriously.

At one point you switched from rodeo to motocross - what was that experience like, and what made you come back to bull riding?

The experience between the two sports is definitely different, but they also share some similarities, especially when it comes to adrenaline, risk, and mental focus. I was really passionate about motocross at the time, just like I am with bull riding now. It pushed me in different ways, both physically and mentally.

I ended up stepping away from motocross for a number of reasons. No matter how much I enjoyed racing, nothing quite matched the feeling of being in the arena and on the back of a bull. Coming back to bull riding felt like a weekend hobby hanging out with my mates, which has now turned into being a professional sport for me.

[Black and white photo showing Toby and two other cowboys in hats and plaid shirts leaning over a metal railing to look at a spotted bull below, with an Australian flag visible in the background, suggesting a rodeo setting.]

How does competing in the USA compare with competing here in Australia?

Competing in the USA is very different to Australia. In the States, you can often drive just an hour down the road and find a rodeo to compete in. In contrast, competing in Australia usually requires you to dedicate entire weekends and take time off work, as the rodeos are more spread out and travel distances are much greater. It takes a bigger commitment to consistently follow a full circuit here.

What’s the most important lesson bull riding has taught you about focus, resilience, or strategy in and out of the arena?

Bull riding has taught me a lot about resilience and mental focus. I've had to overcome some serious setbacks with injuries, and getting back on after each one has pushed me to stay mentally strong. The sport forces you to stay present and focused, both in the chute and in life. You quickly learn that success comes from consistency, preparation, and the ability to push through challenges, no matter how tough they get.

Bull riding comes with plenty of tough knocks - from broken bones to muscle tears. How do you keep pushing through those challenges, both physically and mentally?

It definitely takes a toll on your body, but for me, it's all about staying mentally tough and keeping my goals in sight. Physically, I put in the work with rehab, training, and making sure I'm doing everything I can to recover properly. Mentally, it's about accepting that injuries are part of the sport and not letting them define you. Each setback is just another reason to come back stronger. The love for the sport and the drive to keep improving is what keeps me pushing through.

[Toby Adams, wearing a black helmet and protective vest, is captured mid-action atop a large, speckled grey and black bull, with dirt flying up as the bull bucks in an arena.]

Which PainPod products do you currently enjoy using and why?

I currently use the PainPod 3, and it’s been a game-changer for my recovery. As someone who’s constantly dealing with the physical demands of bull riding, it helps manage pain after injuries, speeds up muscle recovery, and keeps me feeling ready for the next ride.

Looking ahead, what milestones or challenges are you excited to tackle in your bull riding career?

I'm really excited about the next chapter in my career, especially the goal of moving back to the USA to compete full-time. The level of competition over there is another level, and I want to push myself against the best in the world. I’m also focused on staying consistent, keeping my body in top shape, and making a name for myself on the international stage.