The 16-year-old Cessnock High School student only took up the sport a year ago, which requires riders to separate cattle from a herd and guide them into a pen – all within 90 seconds.

What makes Montana’s victory even more remarkable is that she was only paired up with her teammates, Maitland’s Rhiannon Jones and Lacey Miller from Coolah, on the day of the competition.

Having never ridden together before, Montana said that it was quite remarkable the way they were able to take out the entire completion without even practicing. 

“I couldn’t believe how well we all worked together,” she said.

“I definitely couldn’t have asked for a better team.”

The competition was held over two days with teams taking part in four penning runs a day. 

Those with the highest score based on the amount of cattle penned progressed through to the final round. 

Montana was riding her 16-year-old gelding Tibet and said that she couldn’t have asked for a better partner.

“He’s a pretty cool horse,” she said.

“He is definitely a gentleman.”

Team penning is considered one of the fastest-growing equestrian sports in Australia and Montana said that it is definitely a lot of fun. 

She first picked up the sport with her parents Jamie and Caroline, who all currently ride with local groups Valley Team Penning and Lower Hunter Horse Sports.

She said that she hopes to study at Tocal College when she finishes year 12 and that she can definitely see herself working with horses as she gets older.