Ribbons abound for Traynor family at Ekka

Ekka presented the ultimate opportunity for the family to do what they love, with three horses, three riders and one dedicated husband making the journey to Brisbane.

“It truly has become the girls favourite holiday of the year, and they were devastated when we had to leave,”  Lee said. 

Hannah at only six years of age came third in her turnout class and fifth in her rider class, and it was only her second Ekka.

Elsie, the eldest at nine years of age, won her turnout class and came sixth in her girl rider class. Elsie rode a horse owned by Cathy and Sarah Young, and the Traynor family are very grateful for the use of the animal.

“I was so proud. The girls are from the bush, we don’t have competitive shows every weekend the way that city kids do, and they held their own and rode well,” Lee said. 

The excitement wasn't over for the family. Lee won Champion Novice Show Hunter Galloway, and third in her open class.

“We were ecstatic all the horses went up there and did their job, and behaved. When you go to the Ekka, it's an electric ring,” Lee said. 

Lee has been riding since she was a child, and now her girls have been brought up in the same way, riding from very early on.

“They don’t know any different; it’s just how they were raised. They don’t have any fear,” Lee said. 

The girls are trained by their mother, with assistance from Francesca Christy, a childhood competitor of Lee’s.

Despite living 100 km for their closest town, their horses keep them travelling for riding workshops and competitions.

Most recently, the girls traveled to Melbourne to participate in a Francesca Christy workshop, which Lee believed vitally developed their skills.

“It is incredible to see them working hard, and what they are learning they are putting into action more, it becomes more natural to them,” she said.

If all goes to plan the family of talented riders will compete in the Country Hack Championships in November.