Dupree High School honor student wins national rodeo title

DUPREE – Sixteen-year-old Dupree High School junior classman Hudson Terveen (Cheyenne River Lakota) captured the title of 2025 Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) Junior Breakaway World Champion in Las Vegas, NV, October 14-18. The win solidifies his place among the premier young talents in the sport and represents a milestone in a promising rodeo career.

Terveen is the son of Mandi Smith and Lyle Smith who have both competed in rodeo events. His mother’s father, Rick Farlee, was the state saddle bronc champion in 1977 and placed third in national competition.

Hudson’s older brother, Braydon Terveen, won a state rodeo championship. Their younger brother, Kaysin, is six years old and is expected to follow in the family tradition of rodeo competition.

A multi-sport athlete also devoted to football and basketball, Hudson Terveen began participating in rodeo events at the age of 8 years. According to Mandi Smith, “He set big goals, put in lots of practice, and stayed grounded through it all.”

She added, “(During the competition) he showcased the disciplines of a true champion— steady focus, and an unwavering competitive spirit. …Watching Hudson chase this dream has been one of our greatest blessings.”

To compete at the national level and win the national title required Terveen to invest extensive time, effort and practice. It also required him to keep his horse Twitty fit with good care and nutrition.

Terveen said that what makes it all worthwhile to him is “to be around friends doing the same thing and cheering each other on.” He added that what he gains from competing is “life lessons, riding the highs and lows, and remembering to follow the wisdom of our Lord.”

Now that Terveen has won the national title, his rodeo goals include “to keep being competitive and make the National High School finals. Hopefully keep at it in college, too.”

After graduating from Dupree High School, Terveen says he plans to attend Mitchell Technical College and enroll in their power line construction and maintenance program. Also, he plans to “keep doing what I love and rodeo and help my family on the ranch.”

When asked what he would say to other young people, he said, “Find your passion. Be determined and keep pushing through, and get it done. Keep showing up for yourself. Work hard and learn from mistakes and know that making mistakes doesn’t define you. Don’t compare yourself to others and follow your heart.”

(Contact Grace Terry at grace@angelsabide.com)

Sources: Personal interview and email correspondence with Mandi Smith and Hudson Terveen

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