And, the pocket-rocket, or Kundabung cowboy, has finished the year on a high. Levi was invited to take part in a exhibition ride at the PBR sanctioned Farley Brothers Charity Bullride on Saturday, December 3.  Where he was looking forward to catching up with his hero, one of Australia’s best, Singleton’s Cody Heffernen.

At just 8 years-of-age the pint-sized competitor continues to make a name for himself on the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) circuit after taking time out with a bruised liver back in March. At the Harden Murrumburah Rodeo on Saturday, November 19, he finished equal first in the U11 steer ride - scoring 68 points. The next day, Levi backed this up with a second place at the K-Ranch Rodeo at Camden, south-west of Sydney. His Dad, Dean, says it was a big weekend as they travelled from Kempsey to Harden and then, back up to Sydney.

But it was worth the trip as they were impressed by the “unbelievable” K-Ranch arena. They also experienced another first. “The steer was a lot bigger than the potty calves he usually rides,” Dean explains.  “When Levi first saw it had horns, he was a bit freaked out and was asking a few questions.”

But it didn’t stop the fearless young cowboy, scoring 75 points and missing out on a win by only one point.  At this event, Levi’s sister Bobbi, secured a second place in the barrel race.

The siblings have competed against each other a number of time this year and she has gained the upper hand. Dean says his daughter is improving with each performance but Levis isn’t to worried as “she is older than him.”

Next year she will have to move up to the U14 division, but he will still be competing in the U11 barrel race.

However, Levi redeemed himself the next weekend at Moonbi, north of Tamworth.

The Moonbi Magic Barrel Racing finals were held on Saturday, November 26.

Here the bull rider come barrel racer took out his division, and collected a colourful Bob Berg titanium buckle. It looks like Levi will finish the year ranked third in 8-U11 ABCRA steer ride standings, and seventh in the barrel racing – not bad considering he spent almost a month on the sidelines.

So next year is shaping up to be big year for the little legend, who already has a vest full of sponsors. Dean says without sponsors they would not be able to afford to nurture his talent, or that of his siblings.

“Kempsey Stock&Land, Tumblegum bakery, Mavin Hino, NRMA mid north coast, Redpoint, Gulf Western Australia are all very generous to him,” he says.