At the recent Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman event, in Tatura, Benalla student Celeste Dennehy did that and much more.
On top of being named Cowgirl of the Year, she also took part in several competitions during the four-day event, placing fourth overall.
For Celeste, her passion for riding began as a four-year-old, a decade ago.
“I just like the horses. I really like horses,” Celeste said.
“I’ve got my horse. His name is Kevin. He’s not too tall or too short, he’s a good height for me.”
Ten-year-old Kevin has been with Celeste for around 18 months, and she rides him whenever possible, during events and whenever she gets some time away from school and her other passions such as netball.
“I do NCAA, which is the National Cowboy Challenge Association,” Celeste said.
“We do obstacles and I like to do reining in my part of the region.
“And when I’m not competing, I like to ride about two or three times a week.
“I get to ride more in summer because of daylight saving.”
Despite her wealth of experience, dedication and passion for all things equestrian, Celeste said it was nerve-wracking waiting to hear if she was selected to take part in the Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman event.
“You’ve got to email the person who runs the event, and you’ve got to put forward your experience and why you want to take part.
“You have to answer some questions and do a bit of a profile.
“Then they, hopefully, accept you.”
With the event being open to competitors from across Australia, there are no guarantees of being accepted.
“I was excited, but it was kind of stressful in the lead-up to it, hoping I’d get in.”
As it turns out, Celeste did a lot more than simply earning an invitation.
“I got first in the Rein in Pink (class), and second in the reserve champion in the cutting phase,” she said.
“I got fourth overall, and then I found out I was Cowgirl of the Year, which goes to the person who got the highest points in everything they did.”
Celeste said taking out Cowgirl of the Year was a pleasant shock.
“I was really happy, as I wasn’t expecting I would get it.”
Proud mum Sammy said Celeste got a number of prizes from the event sponsors.
“We’re very proud,” she said.
“Celeste was up against 18-year-olds in her divisions.
“And she’s done well for the past few years. Last year she got a World High Point Champion with NCAA in ranches.
“And she also took out Battle of the Borders, the previous year.”
But for Celeste, there’s more to it than competing and enjoying time riding her beloved Kevin — it’s about the friendships she makes along the way.
“I have friends who also go to these events, and I also make new friends,” she said.
“We’ve met people from Uruguay and the United States.”
With many accolades at such a young age and many more competitions to come, it’s fair to say this is not the last time you’ll hear the name Celeste Dennehy in the Benalla Ensign.
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