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Table of Contents
About The Book
Cowboy Up! Stars Riding Bulls is a groundbreaking photographic tribute to the fastest-growing sport in America—bull riding, now the #1 spectator sport in the U.S.—as uniquely captured by award-winning photographer Thom Gilbert.
With unprecedented access granted by the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR), Gilbert captures the sport with unmatched intimacy and artistry. Featuring over 150 original photographs and personal interviews with 61 elite riders, Cowboy Up! goes beyond the arena to explore the real lives of the athletes behind the grit. Through exclusive scenes in the ring, on the road, at home, and on the ranch, Gilbert reveals the human side of a sport defined by adrenaline, precision, and risk.
The project includes rare visits to 16 riders’ ranches, capturing quiet, personal moments in striking contrast to the roar of sold-out arenas. Featuring icons like Jose Victor Leme, Justin McBride, and Cooper Davis, each portrait and interview offers insight, vulnerability, and raw strength. The bulls, the fans, and the dirt-flying drama of competition—Cowboy Up! delivers the full spectrum of the bull riding experience through Gilbert’s powerful visual storytelling.
This is the first book of its kind: a fine art documentary that offers rare, all-access insight into a uniquely American culture on the rise. Ideal for sports fans, Western lifestyle retailers, rodeo organizations, and collectors, Cowboy Up! is a visually stunning and essential addition to any bookshelf.
With unprecedented access granted by the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR), Gilbert captures the sport with unmatched intimacy and artistry. Featuring over 150 original photographs and personal interviews with 61 elite riders, Cowboy Up! goes beyond the arena to explore the real lives of the athletes behind the grit. Through exclusive scenes in the ring, on the road, at home, and on the ranch, Gilbert reveals the human side of a sport defined by adrenaline, precision, and risk.
The project includes rare visits to 16 riders’ ranches, capturing quiet, personal moments in striking contrast to the roar of sold-out arenas. Featuring icons like Jose Victor Leme, Justin McBride, and Cooper Davis, each portrait and interview offers insight, vulnerability, and raw strength. The bulls, the fans, and the dirt-flying drama of competition—Cowboy Up! delivers the full spectrum of the bull riding experience through Gilbert’s powerful visual storytelling.
This is the first book of its kind: a fine art documentary that offers rare, all-access insight into a uniquely American culture on the rise. Ideal for sports fans, Western lifestyle retailers, rodeo organizations, and collectors, Cowboy Up! is a visually stunning and essential addition to any bookshelf.
Product Details
- Publisher: G Editions (November 25, 2025)
- Length: 256 pages
- ISBN13: 9781943876686
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Raves and Reviews
This book is one of the most beautifully illustrated picture books I have ever seen, and it is a must-see—especially for new fans of the sport who are just beginning to learn what professional bull riding truly is.
– James Phillips , COO & Co-Founder, Midwest Outdoors Adaptability Foundation
I’ve been a cowboy and around the sport of bull riding my whole life. I’ve always enjoyed seeing my lifestyle through the eyes of someone who hasn’t been steeped in this world as I have. Thom Gilbert’s Cowboy Up!: Stars Riding Bulls offers an artistic view of the elements of the sport that we who are so close to it sometimes forget are so interesting to civilians.
– Ty Murray, nine-time World Champion Cowboy and co-founder of Professional Bull Riders
Thom Gilbert captures the intensity, grit and perseverance of ‘cowboy culture’ from the arena to the ranch. It is a rare, inside look at the most intense, heart-pounding, toughest eight seconds in sports.His photographs are rich and vibrant and offer a rare glimpse inside the chutes and behind the scenes. Cowboy Up! is an exceptional look at America’s original extreme sport which continues to stampede into mainstream.
– John Sohigian, Professional Bull Riders
A book that gives great insight into what bull riding is, has been, and could be, through stunning photos and great interviews.
– Chase Dougherty, 2018 season #2-ranking PBR rider
COWBOY UP: STARS RIDING BULLS is the compelling and exciting new book lensed and written by Thom Gilbert. If you've ever had a hankering for delving into the thrilling and captivating world of bull riding this is the book for you! Gorgeously photographed in black-and-white and color, this tome also looks into the world of not only the athletes, but all the people who love the sport. This book is a great gift idea not only for die-hard fans of the sport but also who may have interest but know nothing about bull riding.
– Jeffrey Banks, Coty Award-winning designer and author of Storyteller: Tales from a Fashion Insider
Thom Gilbert’s work in Cowboy Up gives a unique look into the world of professional bull riders past and present. I’m blessed to be part of it with my son and many of my heroes of the sport I love.
– Cory McFadden, 2005 PBR World Finalist
Cowboy Up! is the best bull riding photo book I've ever seen.
– Myrthis Dightman, first African American champion bull rider (the "Jackie Robinson of Rodeo")
A world class book.
– Ross Coleman, PBR Hall of Famer
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Book Cover Image (jpg): Cowboy Up
Hardcover 9781943876686
