After just seven months learning the art of poddy riding Nick and Chris Wilson, Lower Belford, have come home with first and second place ribbons in the 8-11 years age division at Australian Bushman Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) national titles.

Up against 15 other riders, the brothers along with Denman competitor Luke Parkinson were the only ones to ride three poddies over the three nights of competition.

It could mean we breed them tough in this neck of the woods because at the end of the three nights Nick first, Chris second and Luke third dominated their age division. Luke went on to be crowned the highest national point scorer in that age division for 2011.

But back to the family - the boys practiced on their grand parents Reg and Anita Foreman’s farm at Scone because of the existing facilities.

Operating the gates and timing at practice were the boys’ sisters Anna and Katrina and suffering from nervous tension were their parents Daryl and Maree Wilson.

“The boys, our family and our friends put in a lot of work to get this far and do so well,” said Mrs Wilson.

“They just love the sport and we all had a great time at Tamworth but their father was really really nervous so we have to work on that.”

Another successful, local bull rider Jonathon Couling had also assisted the boys in their new found sporting pursuit after they were initially introduced to the sport by Luke’s father, Roger Parkinson.

Nick and Chris along with their sisters attend the Singleton Christian College and they have represented their school at horse sports and they are all members of the Denman Pony Club.

But after enjoying introductory lessons on bronc riding and barrel racing at Tamworth, Nick and Chris look set to broaden their horse sports to include these other events.