The Rider

The story begins in the Lakota Sioux community on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Here, we meet Brady Blackburn, his father Wayne, and his autistic sister Lilly, showcasing their challenging living conditions.

Brady, once a promising rodeo star, suffers a severe accident during a rodeo event that results in brain damage. This life-altering incident not only incapacitates his right hand but also makes him vulnerable to seizures.

Following the accident, doctors advise Brady against riding again, emphasizing the risks it poses to his health. Despite this, he struggles to accept the change in his identity and future as a wrestler.

Brady frequently visits his friend Lane, who is in a care facility due to a similar injury from rodeo riding. Their interactions highlight the harsh realities and dangers associated with their once-beloved sport.

As Brady grapples with his injury, his father Wayne neglects his duties, choosing to spend their limited resources on drinking and gambling. This lack of support adds to Brady's frustration and despair.

In a moment of extreme stress, Wayne sells their cherished horse Gus in order to pay for their trailer. This act deeply wounds Brady, who feels the weight of his father's indifference towards their family.

To help sustain his family, Brady takes a job at a local grocery store. He also begins breaking horses in hopes of saving enough money to buy a new horse, marking his determination to get back into riding.

Brady develops a connection with a spirited horse named Apollo, hoping to build a new bond similar to that with Gus. This new relationship offers him a semblance of happiness and normalcy amidst his struggles.

In an unexpected turn of events, Wayne purchases Apollo without telling Brady. Although this gesture is meant to be supportive, it sets off a chain of complications and emotional turmoil for Brady.

Brady's exhilaration for riding soon turns to fear when he suffers a seizure while on Apollo. This episode reinforces the doctors' warnings and puts him at a crossroads regarding his passion for rodeo.

Upon returning home, Brady finds that Apollo has been injured and can no longer be ridden. Devastated, he struggles with the decision of whether to put down Apollo, a painful echo of losing Gus.

Frustrated with his father's decisions, Brady confronts Wayne about the decision involving Apollo. This conversation becomes a pivotal moment, forcing Brady to re-evaluate his relationship with his father.

Brady decides to participate in an upcoming rodeo competition, defying his doctors' warnings. This choice reflects his struggle against his limitations and desire to reclaim his life.

As Brady prepares for the competition, he catches sight of his family in the audience. This visual triggers a wave of emotions, reminding him of the stakes involved that go beyond personal achievement.

Overwhelmed, Brady ultimately chooses to step back from the competition, marking a significant self-realization. This decision symbolizes his acceptance of his circumstances and the responsibilities towards his family.