Pink nail polish-wearing bull riders are as rare as ... well ... as cowgirls competing against men in rodeo events.
Rising rodeo star Libby Bent (16) is both. The Tai Tapu (Christchurch) teenager was second in the 2nd division bull ride at Millers Flat yesterday, in a field of 33 competitors, scoring 60 points, two points fewer than winner Luke Barnett, of Milton. Libby is the only cowgirl bull rider in the country.
Yesterday's effort was her third top-three placing in 2nd division bull riding events since October.
''I just love it. I love the adrenaline rush and the challenge, pitting yourself against the bull.
''I had to fight to be allowed to do this, to give it a crack, but I think I've been going all right.''
All right is probably an understatement.
Earlier this month, she was first equal with Logan Cornish, of Omakau, in the event at the Waimate Rodeo.
''I was up against 34 guys and I think they were kind of surprised that I won,'' she said.
Libby is in her third season of rodeo competition, starting with barrel racing and competing in the junior steer riding event for two seasons.
To continue when she turned 16, she had to seek a dispensation from the New Zealand Cowboys Rodeo Association, because women are not allowed to take part in ''rough stock'' rodeo events such as bull riding.
She appeared before the association's annual meeting in winter and was granted the dispensation, association president Marty Deans, of Outram, confirmed yesterday.
Mr Deans said every case was taken on its merits and the board had to be confident the competitor would not be ''out of their league''.
He could recall only one other case, six years ago, when a cowgirl sought a dispensation to compete, but she did not finish the season. Libby was a ''talented rider'' and it would be interesting to see how she progressed, Mr Deans said.
To move up in the ranks to the open grade, she would need to win $2500 in prize money and again seek dispensation from the association to compete at open level.
The Lincoln High School pupil plans to attend Lincoln University and complete a degree in agriculture after she finishes her high school studies.
Her ultimate career would be to make a living out of her rodeo skills.
''Hell, yes, that would be my dream career ... imagine that.''
As for the pink nail polish, she admits to applying a fresh coat before each rodeo.
''I think, in this game, it's important to retain my femininity.''
