Maher won the national rookie bullrider title at Tamworth on January 26 in the Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo bullriding competition – a goal he set himself at the start of last year.

That title added to his Southern Zone rookie bullrider title.

So far this year, Maher has also won bullrides at Moruya on the South Coast and Taralga on the Southern Tablelands.

Now that he is eligible for the open category, his next goal is to win a national open title.

Maher said he would like to thank Quentin and Rebecca Stapleton from his sponsor QRS Equine Services for helping him out and for the continued support as he achieves his goals in the tough sport.