Zoe Johnston’s passion for horse riding began at the tender age of three, thanks to her equestrian mother. Fast forward to today, and the 17-year-old’s exceptional horse training skills have propelled her to the high school rodeo finals in the United States.
Growing up on a 25-acre rural property in central Otago, surrounded by horses due to her mother’s riding school, Zoe developed a deep connection with these majestic animals. Her mother’s tough love approach pushed Zoe to become self-sufficient in her riding endeavors from a young age.
Introducing her to the world of rodeo was the family farrier, sparking Zoe’s interest in this lesser-known sport. Despite her school friends’ lack of knowledge about rodeo, Zoe finds immense joy in the skill and dedication required to excel in this discipline.
For Zoe, riding multiple horses daily serves as her primary form of exercise. The strength in her legs is a testament to the physical demands of horse riding, eliminating the need for additional training.
As she gears up for the competition season, Zoe dedicates herself to the care and training of her horses, Jagger and Chase. From monitoring their health to providing them with recovery time after travel and competitions, Zoe’s commitment to their well-being is unwavering.
Despite the challenges of traveling to Wyoming for the senior national high school rodeo finals, Zoe remains focused on her goals in barrel racing, breakaway roping, and team roping. The camaraderie within the rodeo community is what truly sets this sport apart for Zoe, emphasizing the support and unity among fellow riders.
As she prepares to represent New Zealand on the international stage, Zoe’s dedication to her horses and passion for rodeo shines through, showcasing the heartwarming spirit of this unique sport.
