WELLINGTON'S Jorja Lousick has turned an error into a triumph by taking out the Heifer Fitting Challenge on day three of the 2021 Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Despite coming second in her initial heat due to leaving her equipment out, Ms Lousick was able to go one better in the final finishing ahead of Hayley Stubbs of Narooma High School, who claimed reserve grand champion.
"I sort of knew as soon as I walked into my heat that I had left my halter out and I thought that I had lost my chance of winning," Ms Lousick told The Land.
"But I was lucky enough to get second in the heat and get another chance at it in the final.
"I made sure I fixed what I had done wrong in the heat and luckily that was enough to get me across the line."
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Saturday's event was the third time the 18-year-old had competed in the challenge and the first time she had claimed first place.
"This is actually the first time I've even placed," she said.
"Last time I didn't even make it into the ring, so it was really pleasing to do a lot better this time around.
"Being 18 now, I'm not sure if there is an age limit on the Heifer Fitting Challenge, but if there's not I will certainly do it again because it so much fun."
Judge Erin Waters said it was only "nitty-gritty things" that separated the finalists.
"The girl I adjudged champion was calm and collected when she was out in the stall and presented her heifer really well," Ms Waters said.
"You took notice of my earlier advice, presented your animal really well, my hat goes off to you for listening to my criticism and that's why you came out on top."
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