That summed up the athletic little quarterhorse, with the laid-back temperament, who has made a name for himself on the rodeo scene since making his debut in October last year.
Not only was Midge a relative newcomer, but his rider, Henrietta Purvis, has only been barrel-racing for five years.
Mrs Purvis (45), of Waianakarua, and Midge were invited to take part in the International Rodeo, attended by 7500 people, in the Westpac Arena.
It was an "amazing experience" and Midge thrived on the atmosphere.
She could feel his heart beating as she rode into the arena.
Due to such a tight course, every barrel-racer had knocked a drum by the end of their two runs.
Mrs Purvis was third in the second run, while North Island competitor Stevie Church was overall winner, with Kendra Breen (Alexandra) second.
It has been a tremendous year for Mrs Purvis and Midge who enjoyed many wins and placings on the circuit.
In January, they won the second division barrel-race at Rere-whakaaitu and were upgraded to open.
They won the open barrel-race later that day.
Mrs Purvis and her husband, Graeme, bought Midge last year from Gary Penny, of Helensville.
His sire, Docs Spinachex, is well known in cutting circles, and his full brother is a past national rope and tie champion.
English-born Mrs Purvis previously spent 10 years working in the English racing industry and also hunted and evented.
She became involved with rodeo after meeting her future husband who has been involved since he was a boy.
The couple enjoy encouraging others into the sport and are holding a jackpot event at their Waianakarua arena on December 6 and 7.
Mrs Purvis has organised several barrel-racing training days and one of her pupils will make her debut at the jackpot and later at the Waimate and Omarama rodeos in December.
