“Making the Big Bucks” by R. Clay Booth captures that split-second when the cowboy’s quest for success takes an unexpected turn. His horse bucks in response, while the cowboy holds on, trying to manage both the steer beneath him and the sudden appearance of the wild buck on the right. It’s a vivid metaphor for the unpredictable nature of ranching life, where every effort to “make the big bucks” comes with surprises and challenges that can change everything in an instant. This piece not only showcases the thrill and skill of ranch life but also plays on the dual meaning of its title: the literal bucking of the horse, the wild buck leaping from the bushes, and the cowboy’s pursuit of his own livelihood. “Making the Big Bucks” is a powerful reminder that fortune favors the brave, especially in the unpredictable world of the cowboy.