Sundancer

Buck Rhodes, a former World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, and Johnny's dad, knew only one way to rescue their drought stricken ranch - go back on the rodeo circuit and win enough money to pay off the mortgage. Now, Buck has ridden - and won - his way to the Nationals Final Rodeo, and the draw is made for the final go-round. Buck draws Sundancer, a horse that hates men and is as mean as he can be. Buck knows that he can win the championship on Sundancer if he can ride him, but Johnny worries that the horse might hurt his dad. And there is another man who has almost as many points as Buck - Neely Neilson.

The night before that final ride, Neilson captures Johnny and ties him up so he can't tell his dad about Neilson damaging his saddle. Johnny is released only a few minutes before the ride.

Now it is Buck's turn to ride, and out of the chute he comes. True to his reputation, Sundancer whirls into the arena, twisting and turning, leaping into the air, but Buck Rhodes is still on his back. Then suddenly Sundancer rears high in the air and comes over backwards! The dust boils, and Johnny can't see what is happening to his dad. Will he be alright? Has Sundancer claimed another victim? 

• By Herb Marlow
• Illustrated by Loretta Newberry
• Published by Four Seasons Book, Inc.
• ISBN 1-893595-39-0