FORT WORTH, Texas – Further reflecting the Ariat Texas Rattlers’ commitment to community outreach in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the 2023 PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Teams World Champions are proud to announce the release of their first-ever children’s book, Venom’s Eight-Second Dream: A Bull’s Journey to Victory. This self-published book is now available for purchase online at shop.texasrattlers.com with proceeds from sales benefiting future youth programming initiatives. 

Venom's Eight-Second Dream was created to both inspire and educate, with a focus on highlighting the incredible animal athletes that are so integral to the sport of professional bull riding. Written by Lindsay Keller, a specialist in Western-themed children’s literature, and illustrated by Michael Crutchfield, the story brings the Texas Rattlers' bull mascot, Venom, to life, honoring his personality and the athleticism of the animal athletes who are central to PBR. The real-life Venom, a six-year-old bull owned by Prophet Bucking Bulls and son of the legendary 'Showtime,' bucks in real life PBR events, but Venom’s Eight-Second Dream marks his first competition alongside the Rattlers.

“There are two athletes in every bull ride. It’s fitting that a professional bull riding team composed of the best riders in the world is releasing a book that celebrates the animal athletes, without which our sport would not be possible," said Chad Blankenship, Ariat Texas Rattlers President. "Venom’s Eight-Second Dream allows us to share the importance of PBR’s animal athletes in a way that’s accessible to younger fans. We hope that Venom’s inspirational journey will also motivate the next generation to pursue their dreams with as much passion as he does."

To celebrate the book’s official launch the Texas Rattlers’ beloved mascot Fang, donated books to libraries across North Texas on October 16. In a particularly exciting moment, one copy of Venom’s Eight-Second Dream was even added to the National Library of Congress. Less than 24 hours later, Fang and the entire Texas Rattlers traveled to Las Vegas for the 2024 PBR Camping World Teams Championship inside T-Mobile Arena. Timed purposefully with Texas Rattlers’ journey to the PBR Camping World Teams Championship, this book mirrors the team’s real-life pursuit of victory.

Kathryn King, Collection Development Manager at the Fort Worth Library, shared her gratitude by saying, "I’d like to thank the Texas Rattlers for this generous book donation. A print-rich environment is one of the key factors for becoming a successful reader. Having access to a wide variety of print materials, especially materials that are subjects kids enjoy, increases the chances they will become lifelong readers and learners. Being able to offer materials like this to our users is a win-win for all of us."

Having now returned from the Championship the Texas Rattlers will host special reading events, showcasing the team's athletes reading to Fort Worth ISD students. These heartfelt moments highlight the impact of the team’s outreach efforts and their dedication to inspiring future generations.

Blankenship continued, "We’re thrilled to donate 100 copies of Venom’s Eight-Second Dream to libraries across North Texas, including more than 30 locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This book is just the first step in what will be an ongoing pillar of our organization – to educate and inspire young readers through western sports and agriculture-focused content."

Venom's Eight-Second Dream is part of the Rattlers’ ongoing efforts to create a lasting, positive impact in the community, with a focus on inspiring the next generation. Within the past three years, the Rattlers have consistently partnered with local FFA organizations through their charity pancake breakfast at Rattler Days, through which they have raised thousands of dollars for agriculture education. Additionally, the $800 for 8 Program, in collaboration with team partner Chevron, will donate tens of thousands to Permian Basin charities, including FFA and the junior livestock organization, at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

The Texas Rattlers will announce additional community focused efforts in the coming months, using this book as the foundation for broader community engagement. Venom’s Eight-Second Dream is now available for purchase at shop.texasrattlers.com.

The Ariat Texas Rattlers concluded the 2024 PBR Teams regular season ranked No. 4 with a 16-12 record. At the 2024 PBR Camping World Teams Championship, the Texas Rattlers beat the 2022 PBR Teams World Champion No. 7 Nashville Stampede in Round 1, before falling in Round 2 to the Florida Freedom, ultimately eliminated by the No. 2 Carolina Cowboys in the Last Chance Game and finishing No. 5. On-demand replays of all the 2024 PBR Teams action is available on the Merit+ app.

Photo courtesy of Texas Rattlers