Rodeo: Doubtless Bay cowgirl rides to the top

Tegan O'Callaghan competes at last weekend's Waikato Rodeo on February 17.

At just 17, Doubtless Bay's Tegan O'Callaghan is already on her way to becoming New Zealand's top cowgirl, buckling up to represent her country later this year at an Oklahoma rodeo event.

Like most Northlanders, the Year 13 Kaitaia College student started out with her local pony club.

But when she was introduced to rodeo at the age of 8, she was instantly hooked.
"Rodeo is a great event where you need a well-trained horse and great riding skills. Barrel racing is a speed event that needs quick reactions."

Tegan also competes in team roping and said she had never felt afraid of her horses.

"I started out on an old bush pony, she was pretty quiet. But it all changed when I bought my first quarter horse when I was 12. But I still felt safe, there was just more acceleration."

Tegan said the rush and thrill of rodeo was the "best feeling in the world".

She has just broken open, meaning she has earned enough prize money (total $3000) to enter the next division, along with the best cowgirls in New Zealand.

In July, she will head to Oklahoma as the only Kiwi cowgirl on the Australia/New Zealand team to the International Youth Finals Rodeo.

"I'm excited. It's an incredible opportunity," she says.

Tegan has been nominated as a Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year finalist.

"It was pretty cool, and unexpected ... being nominated by the New Zealand Cowboys Association ... I'm honoured."

She hopes to acquire more horses and reach the open title in the next few years, she says.¦