Middlemarch horses (from left) Smokey, Willy and Methven, ridden by Bruce Thomas and Jenny Atkinson. Photo / Stephen Jaquiery.
It appears there might be something in the water in Middlemarch, because the township has more than its fair share of great rodeo horses.
Three have just won prizes at the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association National Finals Rodeo Awards in Wairoa, northern Hawke's Bay.
Middlemarch resident Jenny Atkinson's horse Methven was barrel race horse of the year.
Bruce Thomas' horses Willy and Smokey won the rope and tie horse of the year and heading horse of the year, respectively.
Last weekend, at the final rodeo of the 2017 season, the judges and top eight competitors in each category voted on which horses would take the titles.
Although the horses won the awards, Mr Thomas said as their owners and trainers, they could take some of the credit, too.
''About 80% of the credit has to go to the trainers and 20% to the horse.
''I'm chuffed with the awards.''
Mr Thomas said temperament was a big thing in horses.
''They're friendly, very tolerant of people and they want to work for you.
''They've got what they call cow sense. If you put them in the yard with a cattle beast, you'll see them move it around the yard like a heading dog.
''They enjoy doing what they do. When they get into the ring, you see them pin their ears back and they get on with the job.''
Mrs Atkinson was also delighted with Methven's award, because he was only 8 years old and still a rookie in his barrel-racing career.
''This is great for Middlemarch. It's putting us on the map.''
The Middlemarch horses were not the only ones from Otago to win awards.
Bandit, owned by the Wanaka Rodeo Club, won the saddle bronc horse of the year.
Club president Lyal Cocks said Bandit had been a trail riding horse but did not like being ridden.
''He's a great character - you can lie him down and rub his belly and all that sort of thing - he just doesn't like people being on his back.
''He really enjoys bucking them off, and that's why he won the award - he performs very well. For the competitors, he's a real challenge.''
