Olivia and Thomas have qualified for the US Youth Rodeo titles in Gonzales, Texas, in June, and are on the fundraising trail to help with the costs of mounting a successful campaign.

Thomas, who is the quiet strong type and started riding before he could walk, has qualified in the 12 and under categories of barrel bace, western pole bend, flying 8 and goat tying.

The effervescent Olivia will also be competing in the under-12s with the barrel bace, western pole bend and flying 8 on her agenda.

“I’m looking forward to saying ‘Howdy, Y’all’, it’s really exciting,” Olivia said.

“I’m also looking forward to the shopping.”

The young duo and their families have a busy schedule with Olivia and Thomas going through an intensive eight-days of training with new horses before the competition from June 13-17.

Both have set their sights on success and while the top prize of a horse trailer may pose some problems transporting back to Australia, Olivia said her minimum goal was to win a coveted belt buckle.

The duo both plan careers in riding, with Olivia keen to compete full-time in riding events in the US and eventually establishing a riding school, while Thomas aims to continue riding as well as trying out bronco and bull riding.

The 11 year olds are back in the saddle on the weekend as part of a red-hot junior competition at the Dungog rodeo, including round one of  the East Coast Junior Championships on Sunday.

They will compete on Saturday at the Dungog Rodeo in the 11 and under-14 barrels and on Sunday in the same events. 

The action-packed weekend at Dungog Showground stars at 10am on Saturday with the showcase saddlebronc, bareback and bull-riding starting from 6pm. 

Sunday’s junior program starts from 8.30am.

On the fundraising side of things, the two families will be holding a Barrel Racing Day at Branxton on May 6 and a trivia night on May 19 at a venue still to be confirmed.