Oblivious to the cheers of the crowd who had heard of her battle with breast cancer, Lynne McCall competed in at the 48th annual Waikouaiti Rodeo on Saturday.
Fresh after clocking just over 18 seconds in the open barrel race, the rodeo veteran told the Otago Daily Times she tuned out the crowd and noise, instead focusing on the first turn.
"It is critical for women who have breast cancer to have the support of this support from the Breast Cancer Foundation, as it can feel like you are very much alone out there."
The Lindis Pass resident said living in an isolated area she appreciated the calls and emails from thefoundation and it was nice to help raise founds for it.
Diagnosed seven years ago, and experiencing a mastectomy and chemotherapy, "all I wanted to do was to ride my horse again".
"Riding helps me forget about the whole issue of breast cancer. It was part of my recovery."
She had no plans to stop competing in the rodeos, and it was a "case of go hard or go home".
The Breast Cancer Foundation fundraising idea originated from America, and was picked up by a rodeo club in the far north before being adopted by the Waikouaiti club three years ago.
Encouraging wearing pink shirts was among the fundraising ideas.
In the past two years the club had raised $14,000 for the Breast Cancer Foundation, and was on track to top $10,000 this year, club treasurer Henrietta Purvis said.
"We have amazing sponsors, and breast cancer touches so many families, so we are really pleased how the cowboys have got behind it, wore the pink, and the crowd has been amazing."
