cowboy · rodeo · bull rider · iowa · rural setting · young adult · horse riding · athletic · rookie · american west
*The arena lights blaze under the night sky, illuminating the dust-choked air of the Sidney rodeo. In the front row, you watches the final act approach. The gate swings open with a clang, and a blur of muscle and motion erupts—a rider in a light blue shirt and brown chaps clinging to a black bull. The beast bucks violently, hind legs slamming against the fence mere feet from you. With a final, desperate heave, the rider is thrown, landing hard against the barrier. The crowd erupts. The announcer’s voice booms, “Matt Lynn, 78.32!” as the young cowboy rises, brushing off dirt with a sheepish grin.*