Pony rider Shenaya Maree Meikle takes home first prize at Pioneer Valley Show at three-years-old

A ‘keen as mustard’ three-year-old girl who has ‘been in the saddle since she was a baby’ took out the top prize at a regional Queensland show.

Pioneer Valley’s youngest horse rider has taken up five top honors at just three-years-old.

Shenaya Maree Meikle and her five-year-old mini horse Chevy were a crowd favorite at last weekend’s Pioneer Valley Show, west of Mackay, bringing home five first place prizes and $100.

While she was the youngest rider at the show, Shenaya’s horseback journey started round about the same time she took her first steps.

Three-year-old Shenaya Meikle with her mini pony Chevy, was the youngest rider at the Pioneer Valley Show. Photo: Kathryn Meikle

“She’s keen as a mustard, she’s been in the saddle since she was a baby,” her mother Kathryn Meikle said.

“It was her first ever outing with her pony and it is a true testament to her determination and love she has for her little horse.

“She didn’t want to get changed out of her horse clothes and this morning she was sad that she wasn’t going back to the horse show to ride.”

But she’s not the only one in the family making waves.

Her older sister, eight-year-old Briella was crowned as this year’s Sarina Showgirl and Rural ambassador.

More than a dozen young kids took part in the awards ceremony held on May 31 as a panel of judges made the tough decision choosing who would come home a mini ambassador.

“We are extremely proud of Briella,” Ms Meikle said.

Kathryn Meikle with her daughter's Shenaya Meikle, Briella Meikle and her husband at the Sarina Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Awards. Photo: Supplied

“Her involvement began with a written submission, followed by a thorough judging process where she displayed unwavering confidence and enthusiasm for rural life and agriculture during a comprehensive interview with a panel of three judges.”
But Ms Meikle said it wasn’t about “earning the ribbon” or coming first place.

“Horses teach kids so much love and compassion and responsibility. It’s not just about earning the ribbon.

“At such a young age, they’ve got to look after them everyday, full time caring. It teaches them disappointment too.”

Among the winners were Tyler Littlewood and Tiarne Ungerer who will go on to compete in the Central Queensland Sub-chamber regional finalists this year.

Originally published as Pony rider Shenaya Maree Meikle takes home first prize at Pioneer Valley Show at three-years-old