05 Jun 2019
Memphis and Dakota Auld attend Camden Haven High School via distance education. They complete their school work a little differently than our face to face students. They complete their schooling online, having weekly phone lessons with their teachers. Alongside their school work, both girls have a keen interest and passion for barrel racing. They have had some incredible successes this year.
Memphis and her 4YO stock horse, Lira, who she has been training to barrel race, competed in May at Murrurundi Barrel Racing placing 1st in 3rd Division and 2nd in the U14's. They also competed at Branxton Barrels, placing 4th in 3rd Division and 2nd in the U14's with her best time being 16.57 sec! Together, they have managed to stay in the top 2 for U14's barrel and U18's pole bend at Branxton so far, Memphis has worked really hard this season getting Lira ready of The Australian Barrel Horse National Finals in September.
Dakota has had a slow start to the 2019 season with her 3YO paint horse Sky, who she also has personally been training to barrel race. Together they have placed in their age group a few times and also in the U18 pole bend, qualifying them for finals in September as well.
Dakota had a few fantastic seasons with her old horse Naz (who is now retired at age 30). Together they had their first win in 2017 in the U11's. In 2018, they placed 2nd in the U14's and 1st in the U18 pole bend at Branxton Barrels. And placing 126th out of 463 open riders at the Australian Barrel Horse National Finals.
A highlight for Dakota was qualifying for the Junior NFR at Tamworth in January 2019, where Dakota and Naz where ranked 9th in Australia for the U11's Barrels. Unfortunately, things did not quite go to plan on the day, but this achievement and experience was incredible for Dakota.
When Memphis and Dakota are not training their horses, working other peoples horses or completing their Distance Education studies, you will find them hunting or fishing. Both girls should be commended for upholding our schools values of respect, responsibility and doing their best and we wish them all the best for the finals in September!
