On a summer night in 2021, I had the opportunity to shoot a rodeo in Dickson Tennessee. I’ve been to a couple of rodeos as a ticket holder, however as a photographer I got to go behind the scenes. What I discovered broadened my perception of a rodeo cowboy and their relationship to our agricultural heritage.

The preparation before getting on a bull or horse weighing as much as a full-size pickup is a demented undertaking. Or at least to this city boy. Although I have great respect for them and the heritage of breaking the wildness of an animal to become a tame and cooperative farm animal. 

What I observed was the family camaraderie of the participants and how in tune with the horses and cattle they were. I also noticed the preparation that went into competing in a rodeo and how before a cowboy hops on that bull they spend a good amount of time in prayer. It was a reminder to me that even if I’m not getting on a 1900-pound fury of a bull it’s always best to prepare with prayer. 

Praying before competition

Getting focused

Rope preparation

Riding the bull