Inverell rider Tyler Berkeley has taken out the Australian Title for 8–Under 13 Campdraft Rider for 2011 at the Australian Bushman’s Campdraft Rodeo Association finals in Tamworth.
At just nine years of age Tyler is also the youngest ever winner of the event and will still be eligible to compete in the division for another four years.
The Campdraft awards have been running since the 1950s, with the junior award established in 1980.
Since then, Scott McCormack in 2002, Katrina Gallagher in 2001 and Paul McCormack in 1983 have also won the award.
Tyler also competed in the Under 11 barrel racing, where he finished fifth, competing against riders who had travelled from as far as Western Australia, Victoria and Far North Queensland.
Tyler’s father Ron said it had been a very different experience for his son who had to ride and compete in front of crowds of more than 4000 people.
“The noise at times was almost an overwhelming and daunting task for both horse and rider,” he said.
“But it’s also a very memorable experience.”
“Tyler has put in a huge effort and shown a lot of dedication to his sport.”
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