NATCHEZ &8212; For 36-year-old Chad Chandler from Centerville, the Natchez Super Bull Challenge and Barrel Racing event, Saturday night at the Adams County Equestrian Center, was not just about competition, it was about family.

&8220;It&8217;s a time for me to spend with my family,&8221; Chandler said. &8220;They enjoy watching me and I enjoy putting on a show for them.&8221;

Chandler said he has been riding bulls competitively for 12 years and is not about to give up yet.

&8220;I&8217;m not ready to retire yet,&8221; Chandler said Saturday night at the Adams County Equestrian Center. &8220;Heck, Adriano Moraes is 36 and he&8217;s one of the top in the Professional Bull Rider&8217;s Circuit.&8221;

Though Chandler said he rides for the thrill, he also rides for his son Cole.

&8220;He really enjoys watching me and in fact does some riding himself,&8221; Chandler said.

Cole Chandler, 9, is a second-time champion calf rider for the Amite County Youth Rodeo Association.

&8220;I hope to win a third time this year,&8221; Cole said.

Chad Chandler said he and Cole compete both in the arena and in the classroom.

&8220;I start dental school at LSU next year and Cole and I have a deal,&8221; Chandler said. &8220;Whoever makes the better grades in school gets to put his up on the fridge in front of the other.&8221;

Even Chandler&8217;s 7-year-old daughter, Katelyn, barrel races in competitions, Chandler said.

&8220;She couldn&8217;t be here tonight because she is with her grandmother,&8221; Chandler said. &8220;Her grandmother is the one who really taught all of the kids to ride. She is 65-years old and still barrel races,&8221; Chandler said.

Chandler&8217;s wife Jennifer also helps him and her children when she comes to watch them compete.

&8220;I saddle and ride horses mostly,&8221; Jennifer said.

Chad said he knows once he starts dental school he will not rodeo as much.

&8220;I know things will get busy but I&8217;m still going to find time to do it for both mine and my family&8217;s sake,&8221; Chandler said. &8220;We have too much fun together to quit now.&8221;