LYMAN — It takes a lot of drive and determination to climb on the back of a writhing steer and a bucking bull, take the hard knocks, hit the ground and go for a second ride to make the time for a score.

But when asked about the sudden jolt from landing on the ground, Hunter Maxfield emphatically said, riding the critters was “fun, a lot of fun.”

About four feet tall and very slim, Maxfield just returned from the 2018 Silver State International Rodeo (SSIR) in Winnemucca, Nevada, where he took first in bulls and second in bareback steers. Maxfield earned his chance to compete at this international rodeo, July 1-8, by competing and winning as a member of the Idaho 8th District, Bear Lake Rodeo Team. To qualify for nationals, a contestant has to place fifth through 15^th at the state rodeo. He earned his shot to ride at nationals by taking first place in both bareback steers and bulls (used on the high school rodeo level) by taking first in both events in district and state competition.

Maxfield, 12-years-old, is a sixth grader at Lyman Intermediate School. He is the son of Darius and Connie Maxfield and is the fourth child of nine children.

The SSIR is an international rodeo, according to Maxfield’s mother, Connie, as it brings in contestants from the Canada, Mexico and the United States and 10 of the states are represented.

Hunter showed he had the grit and determination to turn in a good ride at nationals placing first in bulls and second in bareback steers. From his work at the national rodeo, Hunter earned six buckles and a saddle at the rodeo.

He started riding and competing two years ago and has competed in local rodeos, Evanston Rodeo Series and the UYRA.