Horse riding: Waitahuna youngster following in dad's footsteps

Lexie Nicholl and her dad Mike Nicholl, both of Waitahuna, relax with her Shetland pony, Jack, before Lexie took part in the lead rein event at the Lawrence Gymkhana Day yesterday. Photo: Pam Jones

She sits atop a Shetland pony, instead of wrestling steers.

But 3-year-old Lexie Nicholl is still following in her father's footsteps somewhat, as her horse-filled life translates into competing on the saddle.

The Waitahuna youngster took part in her first competitive event yesterday, the lead rein at the Lawrence Gymkhana Day.

Her big sister Briar (4) watched  as Lexie's father, Mike Nicholl, took the reins, leading Lexie around the Lawrence course.

He said it was great to see his daughters so interested in horses. They had been surrounded by them all their lives and exposed to his own competing.

Mr Nicholl is well known in rodeo circles. He competes in steer wrestling and last year finished in the top eight in New Zealand. He said he was aiming to finish in the top eight again this year, having competed in all the Central Otago rodeos this season and still having another five nationally in which to take part.

About 70 people took part in pony games, jumping and barrel racing at the gymkhana day, and more than 20 in motorbike events that ran alongside the gymkhana.

Gate proceeds were donated to the Tuapeka Community Health Company, which runs the Lawrence Rural Health Centre.

pam.jones@odt.co.nz