Ironically, it wasn’t the winner of the competition that defined it for us. Instead, it was an exceptional ride by Teyvian "Doc" Frye on Medicine Feathers, a Selle Rodeo stud, and a single, perfectly timed photograph captured in a burst of shots taken during the ride.If you live anywhere near Wyoming, you’ve surely seen the iconic bucking horse and rider—the "logo" of the state. Used by the University of Wyoming as their emblem, the silhouette graces everything from t-shirts to license plates and all kinds of memorabilia in between.There’s a rich history behind the original image, creating a string of divine connections to our photograph.First, it is said that the legendary bronc "Steamboat" was foaled on the Swan Ranch, headquartered less than a quarter of a mile from the very spot where Michael stood to capture the remarkable shot.Secondly, he owner of the bronc featured in our image, "Medicine Feathers", had been gifted the Lazy 20 brand—the same brand worn by the original Steamboat.Furthermore, had Michael hesitated even a split second or taken the shot a moment too soon, the image might have been lost.Alson, if Doc hadn’t ridden with such skill, fanning the horse with his hat, an integral part of the iconic image would have been missing. If Medicine Feathers had tossed his head differently or swished his tail higher, the magic of the moment might never have been.The photograph resonated deeply with us but we would never have guessed that our freinds and family would love it as much as we did. The image became a western culture phenomenon. We have reason to believe that this may be the first time a ranch bronc rider has hit the national news!
It feels as though God was smiling on Michael that day. He was right there, on the Swan Ranch (now Chugwater, Wyoming), photographing a horse owned by the same owner of the Lazy 20 brand and a cowboy with the heart and grit to bring nearly 130 years of Western history alive in a single instant. 