Growing up watching his father bull riding, Stetson Lawrence was destined to try it himself. In his early 30s, he is currently ranked 24th in the world and is a seven-time Professional Bull Riding World Finalist.

“I started riding sheep around four or five years old. My dad was a bull rider so watched him when I was young, figured I would give it a try and fell in love with it. I’m addicted to it now.”

Lawrence was born and raised in North Dakota and is of Chippewa Sioux Native American heritage, making him one of the very few Native Americans professional riders. After landing a job in an oil field, he decided to chase his dreams of bull riding and hasn’t looked back since.

A rising star in the PBR community, Lawrence has outperformed his peers in many riding championships, including Badlands Circuit and the Canadian PBR. Adding Team Roping to his list of hobbies, Lawrence lives for the rodeo life.

Anyone can ride a bull, just whether or not you have the drive to do it.

— Stetson Lawrence, 805 Authentico and Professional Bull Rider

With only split seconds to make a decision, you need to trust your instincts and react instead of think or process what’s happening. The rush, it’s addictive. You just have to get back on and hope for the best.

“It’s not a safe sport,” Lawrence said. “You risk your life every time you get on. Even getting on practice bulls, it don’t matter, you risk your life.”

Over the years, the bulls have gotten smarter, finding new ways to buck off a rider. With a passion for the sport and respect for the animals, Stetson has mastered the art of bull riding and cherishing each and every moment as if it was his last.

Figured I would give it a try and fell in love with it.

— Stetson Lawrence

“Bull riding is 90% mental. If your head’s not in the right area it’s not good. If you think you’ll get bucked off you will more than likely get bucked off,” Lawrence said. For him, one of the hardest parts of the job is staying healthy and mentally ready for anything.

This film stars Stetson Lawrence. Written and directed by Brendan Lutes and Troy Powell.

Film, Edit and Post-Production | Brendan Lutes

Photography and Drone | Adam Campbell

Motion Graphics | Lee Diskin

Executive Producer | Troy Powell

Want to know more about other 805 Authenticos? Check them out here.