Cowboy Calling

In 2016, Neil Holmes was bucked off a bull named Rodeo Time, landing lifelessly in the dirt. Some thought he might actually be dead. No stranger to concussions or broken bones, the 32-year-old professional rider — a two-time Professional Bull Riders World Finals qualifier — has spent the months since cultivating physical and mental toughness, and looks forward to proving his strength at this year’s Rodeo Houston. But in addition to healing and training hard, this dad of four has prioritized time to give back: He teamed up with fellow cowboys during Harvey, traveling by boat through North Houston to rescue stranded folks, and is helming a PBR effort to teach inner-city children about rodeo sports and Western culture. Holmes, who stands at just five-foot-six, hopes to show kiddos — including his own — that with faith and confidence, anything is possible. Even bucking death.