Raised in a small rural town in northern Queensland, Kurt Shepard grew up around an endless lineup of horses, cattle, and extended family. And what started as a $200 bet to ride a mechanical bull sparked an interest in him that no one saw coming — one that turned into a career in Australia’s professional bull riding arena. Since his pro debut at 18, he’s finished in the top 10 in the Australia PBR World Champion race five times, with no sign of slowing down. When he’s not traveling or competing, Kurt spends his time back home working on the family lime farm and building a homestead with his longtime partner, Emily, and dog, Chille.