A bull's horn tore his heart at Rodeo Austin. A year later, he's back in the arena.

Last year, Tyler Kippes' heart valve was torn during a Rodeo Austin ride. Surgeons repaired it, allowing him to recover and return to bull riding.
Houston Public Media

In a clown’s shoes: How bull fighters and barrelmen protect cowboys at the Houston rodeo

They put themselves between the bulls and their riders, who are often unable to defend themselves after rides. The idea is to distract the animals while the cowboys run out of the ring.
WBUR

A no-bull look inside Mass.’s only rodeo — and its cowboy community

Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's Saturday morning newsletter, The Weekender. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here. Eight seconds. That’s how long a rider ...