Cowgirl Kaila Mussell back in the saddle

British Colombian saddle bronc rider Kaila Mussell hoping to improve her sixth placing on New Zealand Rodeo's national standings with a top performance at the R & R Relief Drivers Waikato Rodeo on Saturday.

British Colombian cowgirl Kaila Mussell will be one of Waikato Rodeo's attractions at the Kihikihi Domain on Saturday after all.

Mussell has recovered from the shoulder injury that would have prevented her from competing when the rodeo was initially scheduled for February 18.

Rain forced postponement of the event until March 11.

Waikato Rodeo secretary Shelly Patterson says the cowgirl is the only female professional saddle bronc rider in Canada.

"It's great having her competing on our national circuit this year. She's certainly a big drawcard where ever she competes.

"It's a real testament to her strength and ability that she can compete against the men in New Zealand."

Mussell is currently sixth in the open saddle bronc on New Zealand Rodeo's national standings ... and is the only female in the field of 19 competitors.

She currently sits on $1551 (one point for every dollar), trailing Graeme Gannon on $4573, Corey Church on $4427, Wade Marshall on $3282, Paul Robinson on $1711 and Tom Webster on $1659.

The R & R Relief Drivers Waikato Rodeo could have a significant bearing on who goes on to win national all-round cowboy.

Defending champion Anthony Perkins is sitting second on $9061.10, trailing current leader Corey Church on $10,168.80, with Aaron Church Jnr on $8645.95 and Bradley Lanigan $8322.00 battling it out for third.

Spectators will get to see these top cowboys in action this weekend.

After Kihikihi, there is only the two-day Waimarino Rodeo on March 18-19 left to earn more winnings before the National Final Rodeo in Wairoa on March 24-25.

The Waikato Rodeo has an 8.30am start, with the main performance from 12.30pm to around 5pm.

Competitors with local connections include Otorohanga's Rex Church in the steerwrestling, team roping and calf roping. His daughter Holly will contest the junior barrel race, while his wife Dianna may contest the barrel race.

Te Awamutu's Bevan Clayton-Greene/Raewyn Gilbert will appear in the team roping, along with Waikato Rodeo president Stewart Pederson/Bay Barlow, Lloyd Hepi/Sam Johnson, Gary Hackett/Kurtis Pertab and Richard Mathieson/Denise Henderson.
Pertab will also contest the rookie rope and tie.

Kihikihi's Willie Corbett will appear in the steerwrestling, Kaylene Rewiti in the division one barrel race and Michaella Hanham in the division two barrel race.

There will be the popular kids' rides, giveaways, entertainment for children, refreshments and a bar on site.

Admission is adults $20, kids 5-12 years $5, under 5s free.