Distinctly Montana Magazine

34 D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 4 filigree. Button-down shirts tucked into faded Wranglers and a cowboy hat that was custom fit. They were proud to show me their gear and laid it out for me to photograph, and smiled as they talk- ed about it. It was well-worn and loved. As the announcer yelled out that it was about time to start the bronc riding portion of the rodeo, I noted a change in the atmosphere around me. As the horses were placed in the bucking chutes, nostrils flaring, mus- cles twitching and trying to kick their way out, the riders mentally began their process of preparing for the ride. Some prayed right before getting on the horse they drew, while others would get in the saddle and smack the side of their own face. With a loud thunk, the metal gate would open, and as the horse started to kick, buck and twist, I watched as rider and horse merged into one and got into sync with each other. Other cowboys would cheer them on and yell out encouraging words. Eight seconds seemed so quick standing behind the chute, and the process would start over with another rider and horse. A friend of mine knows a bronc rider by the name of Ty Fisch- er who agreed to be interviewed. Ty is new to the sport, and he told me, "I bit down and started bronc riding at the age of 50, so I am not your typical bronc rider." Ty grew up in a family that put the money they had into break- ing young horses into great older horses. He told me, "I learned as a young man to have patience with a young horse, but loved when they got a little 'broncy' [read: bucked]. I rodeoed in high school, college, and some pro rodeos as a calf roper and bull- dogger. I am truly blessed to have had the parents that I have, they imparted all the real lessons of life to me and my brother through horses and being a horseman." Ty then told me a story that had us both laughing, about when he was interested in getting into the military and the Army said they had a rodeo team. He joined because of that, but when he asked where the rodeo team was, they looked at him baffled and said there wasn't one. He said, "I am still looking for that rodeo team." Ty's title in the military is Sergeant Major (SGM), and he is set to fully retire in July. Ty let me know that saddle bronc has given him something to look forward to after retirement. His son Rowdy told him he wanted to try saddle bronc riding a couple of years ago and said, "I guess the cowboy lifestyle is just in our 'jeans.' I am so very happy to not only be supporting him but rid- ing alongside him." He said bronc riding lets him know he still SOME PRAYED RIGHT BEFORE GETTING ON THE HORSE THEY DREW, WHILE OTHERS WOULD GET IN THE SADDLE AND SMACK THE SIDE OF THEIR OWN FACE.

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