A Northland teenager could be going into the history books for being the youngest person in New Zealand rodeo history to secure a hat-trick of national titles in one season.
At the end of year prizegiving in Wanaka earlier this month, 14-year-old Bradley Lanigan of Mangamuka picked up three NZRCArookie titles in saddle bronc, bull riding and the big one, the all-rounder championship.
Each title was acknowledged with a buckle and a trophy with a special American-made saddle for the all-round title.
Having been granted an exemption to move up from the junior division, in which he won the 2012/13 steer riding championship, Lanigan competed in four second division events over the 2013/14 rodeo season. While still being confirmed with rodeo officials, it appears he may be the youngest person in the history of New Zealand rodeo to win three titles.
The prizegiving took place at the end of season ceremony - held after the 2013/14 National Finals Rodeo were completed in Wanaka on March 8 - where the new junior, second division (rookie) and open division national champions were announced and celebrated.
The NFR saw the top performers of the past 12 months competing over three "go rounds" - effectively three separate rodeos - in bareback, saddle bronc, rope and tie, barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling and bull riding categories.
Competitors were vying for $5000 in each event to add to their overall season winnings, as well as their final chance to secure a national championship along with, for many, an all-round championship (eg, for those cowboys or cowgirls competing in more than one event). Reo Lanigan, Bradley's mother, said the NFR events were held in picturesque surroundings.
Reo noted the Far North was well represented in Wanaka by Te Hapua's Ramoan Neho winning two rounds and the "average" to once again secure the national saddle bronc championship; Klay Lanigan, Bradley's older brother, the youngest competitor to make the NFR this year; Kaitaia cowgirl Kim Coulter competing in the barrel racing finals on her horse Dixie; and Daniel Kennedy of Paihia returning from Australia for the season to make the finals in rope and tie and eventually finishing runner-up in the average over the weekend.
Although the rodeo season has ended, the Peria A&P Association is again preparing to hold the annual Oruru Valley Easter Rodeo at the Peria Saleyards on April 20. There will be something for everyone including horse games, rodeo events for novices and a chance to see top competitors like the Lanigan boys in action.
