This Thursday, July 14, the 72nd annual Taylor Rodeo kicks off at the Williamson County Expo Center. In the arena will be hometown fan favorite bull fighter Dawson Solis, who stays focused on keeping the cowboys safe.
“I chose this profession because it’s what I absolutely love to do,” said Solis. “Everybody has a niche. I wake up in the morning with it on my mind. I crave it every day. I love saving cowboys. It’s a lifesaving sport and definitely an underrated profession.”
Throughout his career, Solis has traveled extensively. With his busy schedule, his stops following this weekend’s rodeo will take him to South Dakota, Utah, Idaho and Montana. However, he always makes time for those back home.
“Getting to come back home and show the people what I do for a living is awesome for me,” said Solis. “I love what I do and to get the support back from my hometown is a pretty good feeling.”
When in an arena with an animal that is 10 times your size, it’s all about anticipation for Solis.
“It’s anticipating the bull’s every move, every jump. I’m going to always try to be one step ahead of the cowboys and the bulls,” said Solis. “To me, that’s the most calming thing I’ve been a part of. It’s like time slows down when I’m in the arena and nothing else matters. I take that and I run with it as much as I can.”
As with any sports profession, staying in shape is key, and it’s no different for Solis.
“I do boxing. The footwork, movement and anticipation along with cardio works for me. I don’t think there is any better stress reliever than getting to punch a bag,” said Solis.
As a bull fighter, Solis does not really take time to de-stress. He’d rather keep busy, but during downtime, he enjoys going to the lake and yardwork and is always working up a sweat.
Like other professional athletes, bull fighters also watch game film on the bulls they face, but not Solis.
“I know guys who do, but I personally don’t. If I’m scrolling through social media and see a video I’ll watch it,” said Solis. “Animals are very unpredictable, especially bulls. It’s all based off of reaction and anticipation. It’s a memory thing. You’ll definitely remember them if they throw you.”
As with most things, every good thing must come to an end. Solis is looking to his future as bull fighting takes a toll on the body.
“It’s not a sport you want to be around if your past age 30, especially if your body has been beaten up quite a bit,” said Solis. “I’m looking at moving on at age 26 or 27, but you never know. It could all be over tomorrow or 10, 15 years from now. I’ve recently gotten into selling custom homes and look to venture into that prospective profession.”
As for now, the rodeo arena is home for Solis as he does what he loves and embraces his passion.
“When cowboys fall off, regardless of the situation we’re in, they’ll know I’ve got their backs, said Solis. “For them, it has to be a pretty good feeling knowing that when you’re on the back of a mad animal, someone is watching out for you.”
