Issue link: https://tmcpulse.uberflip.com/i/1089662
t m c » p u l s e | m a r c h 2 0 1 9 20 The surgeons in Fort Worth did their best to repair the damage, cleaning out the areas around the nerves, removing the bone spurs, taking out the pieces of fracture that hadn't healed and reconstruct- ing his UCL. It was a major surgery—so extensive that it could have ended a riding career. But Thomas was determined to get back in the arena, his sights unwavering and set on the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, where the world champions are crowned. Tailor-made program A friend recommended Thomas get in touch with Brian Duncan, a physical therapist and the director of human performance at Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute in Houston. Thomas was willing to try anything, plus the gym was located less than 30 miles southwest of the ranch in Humble, Texas, where he works with horses. Left: Thomas tightens his chaps before working at a ranch in Humble where he breaks horses. He wears chaps to protect his legs while he's moving around on the horse. Below: Thomas brushes Bamm-Bamm before riding her at the Humble ranch. Facing page left and bottom right: Thomas works with Brian Duncan, a physical therapist and the director of human performance at Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Sports Medicine Institute in Houston. Facing page top right: Thomas lifts weights with help from Blaine Schmidt, a performance coach at the institute.