Turangi horsewoman Cheyenne Church has shown it is in the genes when it comes to rodeo.
The talented youngster, of the family synonymous with rodeo, came second in Outram Rodeo's second division barrel race, winning enough to "break" into the open section for the first time and then beat mother Melanie and 30 other competitors into first place.
"It's an outstanding achievement - the big news of the day," rodeo publicity officer Fred Dougherty said.
The 16-year-old was the next generation of the Church family competing in the rodeo circuit, he said.
Her father, Aaron sen, also competed and brother Leeroy won the calf ride event.
Cheyenne, who has been competing since she was 7, said she could not stop smiling after the win and hoped to use the $1200 prizemoney from the day on her horses.
It was a highlight of another successful rodeo, helped along by perfect weather - "hot but not too hot".
"We've got a good crowd who we hope all enjoyed themselves."
There were "no injuries to man or beast" throughout the day, he said.
A moment of silence was held as tribute to Ross "Cowboy" Tomkins, a "colourful character" and 30-year veteran of the Outram Rodeo Club, who died suddenly in December.
The next stop in the 35-round circuit, due to finish at the national finals in Lawrence in March, is Mataura this weekend.
