Los Alamos, California
Most men wouldn’t be too excited to jump from a speeding horse onto an angry steer and then wrestle that steer down to the dirt. But 5-time World Steer Wrestling Champion Luke Branquinho lives for it. Luke grew up in the rodeo world, with two older brothers who helped mold his competitive nature. He’s equally at home on the ranch as he is in the arena, and keeps himself busy (when he’s not competing) at the family ranch, raising three boys with his wife, Lindsay.
What goes through your head when you first wake up in the morning when you rodeo?
I wonder how my wife and boys are doing.
Where is your favourite place to compete?
Houston and Calgary have always been a couple of my favourites.
Tell us a favourite story from a day out at the rodeo.
A buddy and I went to have lunch. He ate strawberry rhubarb pie for dessert. A couple hours later, he was swelled up and itching everywhere. I had to give him a shot in the ass to stop the itching. I was laughing so hard.
Who are your heroes?
My dad is my hero: he has taught me everything about being a man.
If there is any love-hate relationship with any aspect of what you do, can you describe what that is?
I love to rodeo but hate to travel.
If you could bring anybody in the world with you to do what you love (dead or alive), who would it be?
My grandparents.
What would be your day job if you weren’t doing what you are currently doing?
Farming and ranching.