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RODEO can be a family affair.
Adrian and Shelly Mills and their 11-year-old daughter, Denvah, all live for the sport.
All three will compete in today's Preston Rodeo at the Preston Community Centre.
``I've been mixed up with the rodeo for 20 years now - my husband he team ropes, my daughter, Denvah, she's been mixed up with the rodeo all her life - she was born into it,'' Mrs Mills said.
The rodeo competitor said her daughter grew up going through the jackpot rodeo at the age of nine.
``She does really well and I'm very proud of her,'' she said.
``I think Denvah would be the youngest APRA [Australian Professional Rodeo Association] member in Tasmania.
``She doesn't get a big head at all, she just does her thing and doesn't realise how good she is.''
Mrs Mills said her family loved the rodeo, the lifestyle and the people who came with it.
``We are one big family. Everyone helps one another out,'' she said.
``It's the adrenalin of competition and because we train our competition horses you have the enjoyment of riding in your own glory.
``It's a real achievement to have your hard work pay off and it's the trust and bond you put into your horses.''
Mrs Mills said the Preston Rodeo had been going for three years.
``It's a new, young and fresh committee who do a lot of a hard work,'' she said.
Mrs Mills competes in the barrel race and ladies breakaway roping, her husband in the team ropes and her daughter in the junior barrel race and junior breakaway roping.
The Preston Rodeo will be held today at the Preston Community Centre. Gates open at 2.30pm. The main events start at 4pm. Entry is $35 for families, $15 for adults, $5 for children, and under 10s are free.