From the moment Ellie Barron could walk, horses have played a huge part in her life.
As she puts it, they were “just part of the furniture” when she was growing up.
And they remain so today, more than two decades after she got her first pony as a three-year-old.
Given Ellie’s pedigree, it’s not surprising the animals have been such a constant. She’s the third generation of her family to be involved in harness racing, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, father and uncles, and has just taken out two coveted awards, including being named Southland’s junior driver of the year.
Her dad Clark and uncle Ken are both part of the prestigious 1000-plus drivers’ club, another uncle, Tony, has trained more than 300 winners, and both grandfathers, Ron Barron and the late Owen Crooks, are well known in the industry.
Still, Ellie’s foray into racing – she’s considered one of the country’s leading junior drivers – wasn’t necessarily inevitable. As a youngster, she was happy doing pony club, and later moved into showjumping and eventing. An only child, she would spend weekends and holidays helping her dad, who is now an owner/trainer with a stable in the Southland community of Rakahouka.
“I never understood the kids that got to lie in at weekends or go away with their friends because I was always working!’ she says with a laugh.
Denne historien er fra October 21 2019-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 21 2019-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills