PG . 45
“ Coming into this event I really wasn ’ t expecting much at all . I had only competed at some local jackpots on Jackson and even though Hammer ‘ aka Smart Like Cooper Q-70475 ’ was fit due to being roped on I had not got to run him all year . I also had to retire my great old horse ‘ Decker ’ so it was tough . My confidence going into the weekend was low as I couldn ’ t practice due to rain and I had been ill . After my 1st exhibition run on Hammer I was still worried as he was all over the place . I gave him another exhibition run then we pulled it together . There is no better feeling winning on horses you have trained yourself . Dad had trained Hammer into an awesome rope horse but I patterned him on the barrels . I also trained Biddy ( Bid for a Lil Acre Q-95888 ) who I placed 5th in the Futurity on .”
“ Dad purchased Hammer from Jason Leitch about 5 years ago . He had been trained in cutting but didn ’ t make the grade so was being used as a turn back horse . He is very quirky and doesn ’ t like too much affection . After taking out the Junior 1D saddle on Jackson , who my mum trained , I was blown away to win the open 1D . It was certainly the cherry on top .
No way in the world did I think I had a chance against more than 300 riders , to come out on top . I ’ m thankful for everyone that helped me get to where I am including my parents and sponsors , because nothing would be possible without them . There were so many great
Leanne and Mornin Mohawk Q-82903 October 2020 QLD championships
Maddie & all her wonderful prizes
competitors and I really didn ’ t think I had a high chance of even placing .”
“ The best advice I have received is just to go out and have fun and what will be will be . I look up to my mum as she is the one that got me started and is always in my corner . Don ’ t put too much pressure on yourself . Have fun with it !”
“ I love watching Lisa Lockhart and Hailey Kinsel , and in 2019 I got to watch them both live at the PRCA World Finals in Las Vegas . I also got to see Lisa compete at the Elite Finals in Dallas , Texas , in 2016 . I got to go down into the arena , meet with her and get her autograph .”
Maddie believes having a positive mindset , a lot of hard work and always staying humble are the keys to her success . “ Oh , and of course , Mum and Dad and the opportunity they have given me to work with and ride some great horses .”
Maddie would like to acknowledge and thank her great sponsors at “ Rydweld in Townsville , who have really looked after me over the years , and Coolhorse helps me out with equipment and ropes . I want to thank the organisers of the Qld Championships and all the great sponsors .”
Future goals for this young competitor are to win a junior APRA title in Barrel racing , then work towards an Open Title . Maddie would also like to compete in America one day at a high level . “ I ’ m not in competition with anybody but myself ’. ‘ It ’ s about competition and having fun with friends .” F
JANUARY / FEBRUARY ISSUE 2021