ROD McLennan might be better known as a cricket umpire in Warwick but he proved on Saturday he has lost none of his skill as a horseman from his early days on a dairy farm at Kangaroo Creek near Grafton.

Rod, 82, older brother Rupert 84, and the baby of the trio Reg, 76, won the South Grafton Team Penning competition on Saturday.

They had four runs on the day and won the final when they penned their three head in a time of 54 seconds, well inside the allowed two minutes, to beat riders only a quarter of their age.

Rod recalled working on the family dairy farm at Kangaroo Creek with Rupert when they did plenty of mustering.

"We drove cattle together before I moved to Queensland to work at Welltown station," he said.

He has always had an interest in campdrafting and won the saddle bronc ride at a Labor Day Rodeo in Warwick.

Rod has maintained his interest in horse riding from his days on the dairy farm and worked with the stock in his 36 years at The Hermitage Research Station.

Not only was he part of the winning team, his mare Bracelet was ridden by Rupert at the event. "I took her down to Grafton to get her in foal," he said.

After his first team penning competition, he spoke of the need to be quick and patient at the same time.

"You have to be able to read the cattle," he said knowing anticipation was important in his new sport.

He is now encouraging his brothers to head to the Southern Downs for team penning.

"I would like to repeat our winning effort," Rod said.

Rupert and Reg always catch up with Rod at the Warwick Rodeo but may have to make a second trip this year for team penning.