Riggen Hughes (Courtesy photo)

KEMPNER (August 10, 2012)--Riggen Hughes, 10, of Kempner, has a lot to look forward to after placing third in the Jr. Steer Riders competition during the Youth Bull Riders World Finals on Saturday in Abilene, the first time he competed in the division.

This was Riggen's second year to compete in the world finals.

According to a family member, he was one of four riders, out of 47, who covered all four steers.

About 300 youngsters compete in various divisions annually at the YBR World Finals.

Although his riding season is officially over, Riggen has plans to compete in several smaller rodeos and has qualified for a national competition in Colorado in October.

"He mostly trains with his father, Flint Hughes, who rode in the PRCA in the 80s to early 90s. His training consists of a barrel with nothing more than practicing his form, riding his horse bareback and is coached by Lonnie Austin, former PBR world champion Matt Austin's father in Myrtle Springs," mother Kellie Hughes said.

Riggen also attends gym in Lampasas at Tumbleweeds and is coached by Maurice Tobin, also known as Coach Mo.

"He competes in different organizations, such as the Texas Youth Roughstock, the Texas Youth Bull Riders-East Region, Central Texas Youth Rodeo Association and Tommy Green Rodeo Company's Jr. FFA rodeos each summer," Hughes said.

Riggen has one more year to compete in Jr. Steers before advancing to Sr. Steers.