They may be a tiny duo but Imogen Watters and pony Hooey are set to make a big entrance at the Australian Barrel Horse Association National Finals on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The five-year-old Worrigee resident will saddle up her little shetland to compete in the under eight's section.
The annual event will be held at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre and attracts competitors from all over Australia.
Mum Fiona Bennett said Imogen will likely be the youngest competitor.
"There isn't many five-year-olds riding completely independently so Immy probably will be the youngest," she said.
Immy decided at the age of three she was ready to ride by herself, not surprising considering she first took to the saddle at six-weeks-old.
The youngster has been riding independently ever since, making appearances at the Nowra Show and barrel racing from a very young age.
Immy debuted at the Australian Barrel Horse Association National Finals last year on pony Jack and is now stepping up on Hooey.
The shetland came into her life 12 months ago and has made a big impact.
"Immy and Hooey have an incredible bond - and Immy doesn't take any of his crap," Fiona laughed.
"He does fit that shetland reputation but he's also been broken in and trained well, and had a lot of bigger kids on him so that's definitely helped."
Barrel racing is in the genes for Immy, with her grandfather Terry Bennett well-known in the community for his rodeo skills and horse riding. In 2014 at the age of 66, he took out the Australian Barrel Horse Association fourth division title.
Each year the National Finals supports a charity, with this year's being the Country Women's Association. Immy will be dressing up in blue and gold to show her support.
She'll also be cheered on by little sister Isabelle, 3.