Gunnedah-based barrel racing competitor Maddison Craig has secured an Australian title at just 13 years of age.

The year 8 St Mary’s College scholar was named Australasian Team Roping Association (ATRA) barrel racing champion in the 13 to 17-year age group at the Australian national finals, in the Queensland town of Capella last month.

“It pretty much shows hard work and consistency does pay off in the end,” she said, while also noting that things didn’t always go smoothly.

Maddison received a buckle for her Australian title after also claiming three buckles for Northern NSW titles at other barrel-racing events earlier in the year.

One of these was as a 13 to 17-year champion, while the others were 2D and 3D barrel racing champion honours where she competed against ladies in the open divisions.

It has been a busy year for Maddison, who has ridden horses for as long as she can remember although it has been only in the past few years that she has taken it more seriously.

Maddison has been busy juggling school and barrel racing commitments this year in particular, having participated in anything up to four ATRA events in a month.

Thornhill, Tamworth, Tooraweenah and Singleton have been among the towns where Maddison has competed this year.

While her chosen sport has been mainly a weekend activity, Maddison has practiced at home after school while also prepping the horses and giving them a break.

Maddison said she learned a lot about balance, hand-eye coordination, concentration, horsemanship and understanding the horse she was riding, while another enjoyable aspect of barrel racing was the friends she made in and outside the arena.

Maddison said the girls she encountered “are pretty competitive” which meant she had to deal with pressure.

“My motto is to be competitive in the arena, but also to cheer on my friends,” she said.

Maddison said the horse she rode was her friend when she was in the arena and that “you trust your life with him most times” while being relaxed was vital.

“If you don’t relax, he doesn’t relax,” she said.

“If I’m angry, he’ll play mind games with me to make me more frustrated.”

Looking ahead, Maddison said it would be great to earn the ATRA barrel racing champion title again, as she remains eligible for the 13 to 17-year age group for several more years.

Maddison Craig at the Northern NSW ATRA presentation. Photos: Supplied.