Ryder, a senior at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, didn’t always know what he wanted to do after high school. Hailing from the small town of Bowie, Texas, he came to Boys Ranch seeking direction.
He knew that something needed to change, and after some encouragement from his family, who had been looking at different care options, Ryder found his way to Boys Ranch in January 2024.
“I wasn’t really liking it at my house,” he said. “My parents knew I needed some direction.”
When Ryder first visited Boys Ranch, he was not sure about moving to the Texas Panhandle. The campus seemed quiet and few people were out and about.
“It was a Saturday, and it felt like a ghost town,” he said.
However, something about the place stood out, especially when he learned about the rodeo program.
“I was hooked when I found out they had rodeo,” Ryder said.
“I had no experience, but I decided I was going to try bronc riding.”
Despite being new to rodeo, Ryder jumped right into the sport.
“I thought I was going to try bull riding, but when I found out they didn’t have bull riding, I went with bronc riding,” he said. “I was determined to win.”
His hard work paid off, and soon he found himself at the top of his game, being named All-Around Cowboy at the 80th Annual Boys Ranch Rodeo.
“It felt really great,” he said. “I was proud of myself because I had to work for it. It didn’t just happen.”
Instead of having little to no direction in life, Ryder now has big plans for the future. He hopes to continue his rodeo career in college. He is looking into Clarendon College, where he can pursue a two-year degree in Ranch and Feed Lot Operations. The program, he explained, will give him the hands-on experience needed to work on a big ranch, something he now wants to do.
The support from his case worker, house parents and teachers at Boys Ranch has been instrumental in helping Ryder find his direction.
“It means a lot that they look out for you,” he said.
“Sometimes they don’t tell you what they are working on until they have it figured out. They are always working on finding ways to help us and give us an opportunity.”
Ryder’s time at Boys Ranch has not only given him a path for his future, but also helped him grow academically.
“I’m doing better in school here,” he said. “It’s easier for me because I’m not being constantly harped on. I feel a lot better about my grades now.”
Reflecting on the opportunities provided by Boys Ranch, Ryder is grateful for the donors who make it all possible.
“A big thank you,” he said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to do so much. The new barn, for example, helped me with FFA showing, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the donations.”
As Ryder looks toward his future, he is excited about the direction he’s found, thanks to the support and opportunities he’s received at Boys Ranch.
“It’s been a great experience,” he said. “I’ve found my path, and I’m ready to keep going.”
