Lawrence: Paige Church had her first barrel race when she was 5, on a 30-year-old horse named Gammit, a ride she describes as being "quite slow".
Now, the 13-year-old from Palmerston can clear 3 barrels, spaced 36m apart, in about 18 seconds.
"I ride my horse Radar (22), and sometimes I use my dad's horse Black (12).
"They are good, because they know what they are doing, and they just get on with it."
The combined efforts of an older, more confident Paige, and a slightly younger, more confident horse, have earned her the honour of becoming the youngest member of New Zealand's barrel racing team.
The 13-strong team will travel to rodeo events in Australia in September and October, but on Sunday the teenager's focus was squarely on the field in Lawrence.
"There are usually around 11 or 12 competitors in the barrel race," Paige said.
"Lots of competitors come down from the North Island, and a lot of them are the same speed as me."
Paige hopes to break into team roping.
She enjoyed the rodeo lifestyle, being with the horses, and catching up with family, Paige said.
