Page 107 of Stockman's Showdown

Those words hit home for Ryder, but also for his brother Dex. They’d been knocked on their arses plenty of times, as kids growing up in a junkyard, as men now trying to tame the wilderness that made the Northern Territory their home.

A stern man with a white hat stood on a crate. ‘All right, you lot, it’s time to draw the names…’

The men’s voices hushed as the adjudicator drew the names of the bulls they were to ride. The results written on a large board for everyone to see.

Craig rolled up with a load of black leather goods in his hands. ‘I’ve got you this padded vest. It might be tight, but we can adjust the ties on the side. As your event is in the rough stock category, I’d recommend you wear these leather chaps, too.’

‘The chaps will protect your legs from the bull and help with the ride,’ explained Charlie.

It was a lot of fancy black leather, complete with tassels and stringy leather ties. It was kind of like the gear worn by the BDSM community. Hmm, Bree was certainly no buckle bunny, but she did have a kink for men wearing military uniforms and masks. Did she have one for leather-wearing bull riders?

‘What about a ball cup to protect the jewels?’ suggested Dex.

‘I wouldn’t recommend it,’ said Craig. ‘It’s just plain uncomfortable and it’ll throw you off balance.’

‘I’ll be fine.’ Ryder slid his arms through the heavy vest. His Kevlar vest was lighter.

The adjudicator called out the bulls’ names such as Dirty Harry, Evil Forces, Destroy, Holy Moly. There were no pet names like Coco, Fluffy, or Peanut. But if they had a bull named Cupcake, he’d pay to ride the thing just to show Bree he was no cupcake.

‘You’ll need some rosin, son. Ya got any, Craig?’

‘Same recipe you gave me.’ Craig lifted the lid on an old tin.

‘What is that?’ Dex dabbed his finger at the amber-like material. Sitting in the bottom of the tin, it was the size of a small bar of soap, that was a sticky mix between honey and super glue. ‘It’s gummy.’

‘It helps your gloves keep a good grip on the rope,’ explained Craig. ‘When you’re on the bull, you apply this rosin onto the riding rope. Then rub the rope repeatedly, to make the stuff hot to create a Velcro-effect. Listen, if you’re only mucking around, I wouldn’t recommend it, coz once it’s activated, you’re on for the ride.’

‘I’ll use it.’ Ryder had a bet he was determined to win.

‘Want a helmet?’ asked Dex.

‘Nope. It’d just get in my way. I don’t want it slipping and blocking my view during the bull ride.’ Ryder secured the chaps on his legs. They were heavier, compared to the pair he used to protect his legs when branding cattle in the drafting yards.

Ash ran up with the gloves. ‘You’re really doing this, huh?’

Ryder slid on his gloves. ‘I’m not dressing up for fun, am I?’

‘I don’t believe it.’ Ash looked at Dex, who shrugged.

‘I’m sorry I haven’t got a set of bull ropes to lend you, son.’

‘I normally keep some bull ropes in the ute to lend, but I’ve only got bronc ropes with me,’ said Craig.

‘The adjudicator said he’d lend me some.’

‘Good. I’ll check them over for you,’ said Charlie. ‘Do you want to ride with a left or right-handed rope?’

‘Left.’

‘But you're right-handed,’ said Dex.

‘I still want to write, if something goes wrong.’ Hoping not to tear his arm out of his shoulder socket.

‘You’ll want some spurs, son. They’re an important part of the bull rider’s kit.’

‘Use mine,’ volunteered Craig, unstrapping them from his boots. ‘They’re regulation, already checked by the judges.They’re not too sharp to hurt the animal, but they’ll help you get a good grip. Charlie gave me these.’

‘That I did.’ Charlie patted Craig’s shoulder as Craig tied them onto Ryder’s boots.

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