No calf wrestling or roping skills were used in forging Anthony and Alyce Perkins’ relationship — or so they say.
Given that Mr Perkins has won two national calf rope and tie titles, two national team rope and tie titles, a national steer wrestling title and an all-round national title, you can see how there might have been temptation.
He probably thought better of it because it would be hard to keep up with Mrs Perkins, one of the fastest barrel racers in the South.
So when they first laid eyes on each other across a rodeo ring, there was just a subtle nod, a sly wink and complete admiration for the way they handled their horses.
"We’ve always kicked around as mates," Mrs Perkins said.
"Neither of us had to use our calf wrestling or roping skills."
Since then, the Mataura couple have married, and now their two boys — Clayton and Hunter — are competing alongside them at rodeos.
The family that plays together, stays together, Mr Perkins said.
The boys said they loved riding their pony Buzzer in the barrel racing, and competing against their friends.
Mrs Perkins said the rodeo circuit was a big, extended family for the boys and they competed in all of the South Island rodeos and some in the North Island.
The family was among more than 150 competitors at the 56th Millers Flat Rodeo yesterday, which proved to be a roaring start to the rodeo season.
Despite the occasional shower, about 1000 people turned out to watch riders from across the South Island compete.
The summer rodeo season continues today with the Maniototo Rodeo at Waipiata.
