iShine 7th grade student Kaysen Chaffin won the Junior World Finals Bull Riding competition held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in December. To qualify, participants must be one of the top three bull riders in their region and then go on to be one of 100 riders competing in Las Vegas. Kaysen said, “It’s the most prestigious rodeo for which a youth could qualify.”
Kaysen began riding at age 2 and then competed in his first rodeo in Winchester at age 3. Today, he competes nationally, with many competitions held in Texas and Arizona. He acknowledged, “There is a lot of danger, and it is the toughest sport on dirt. However, I try not to think about that fear, but just try to keep it fun. What fear there is keeps you sharp.”
Kaysen chose the iShine program because of the flexibility it offers him. He said, “It is working out great, and I appreciate the learning atmosphere.” When he’s on the road, the family makes a point of learning about the states they visit and stopping at historical landmarks.
When he finishes school he wants to be a world-champion bull rider and stock contractor. He may take college coursework in agriculture. He continued, “I raise my own livestock and plan on making this my future.”
 |
 |
