Thomas Gorman poses for a photograph on July 4, 2023 at the Cimarron Rodeo Grounds in Cimarron, N.M. Photo by Zoe Cranfill.
In a small town in Washington, DC, Thomas Gorman prepares for his second season as a Wrangler at Philmont Scout Ranch. A passionate teacher turned adventurer, Thomas is eager to share his experiences and shed light on his unconventional path. With his genuine enthusiasm, Thomas recounts his upbringing and the winding road that led him to the backcountry.
Thomas Gorman, a 23-year-old Wrangler at Philmont, is not your typical cowboy. Originally from the suburbs of Hyattsville, Maryland, Thomas grew up in a homeschooling environment. Despite missing out on a traditional schooling experience, his mother ensured that he and his siblings had a well-rounded upbringing, participating in activities such as homeschool Co-Ops, swim teams, and even karate classes.
With a warm smile, Thomas recounts his memories of growing up in a large family. He has four older sisters, a younger brother, and a younger sister. His parents, an engineer-turned-stay-at-home-mom, and a philosophy professor father, provided a unique dynamic in the household. Thomas humorously reflects on the reversed gender stereotypes his family had concerning academics. Furthermore, religion played a significant role in Thomas's upbringing, and he speaks passionately about his catholic faith. He recalls how his religious commitment deepened after his confirmation, realizing his responsibility to master his own faith.
As the conversation steers towards Thomas's introduction to horsemanship, he lights up with excitement. His interest in wrangling blossomed after a scouting trip to Philmont in 2017. Witnessing cowboys and cowgirls in their traditional attire sparked a fascination that propelled him towards pursuing the life of a Wrangler. Although he had minimal experience with horses, a neighbor generously offered riding lessons, ensuring Thomas was prepared to take on the challenges that awaited him at Philmont.
Thomas's first year as a Wrangler in 2021 brought a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Working in the backcountry, he quickly adapted to the demands of the job. He vividly recalls his time at Clark's Fork and the rodeo that followed.
Participating in events such as chute dogging and wild cow milking tested his skills and resilience. While he did not achieve top scores, Thomas's enthusiasm and determination shine through as he recounts his experiences with a hint of self-deprecating humor.
As the adventurous cowboy shared his unforgettable experience of an injury sustained at a rodeo. He began by recounting the events that led up to the incident. He and his friend, Henry, and brother, Benno, were part of a group of rodeo participants, ready to take on the challenges of the day. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as they prepared themselves for the wild ride ahead.
The rodeo began, and the participants eagerly launched themselves into action, throwing loops with the hope of capturing their designated targets. However, misses seemed to be the theme of the day. Eventually, Henry managed to throw a loop around a cow, but there was an issue to his success. The loop turned out to be too big, and instead of capturing the cow's head, it slipped around her belly. As a result, the cow unwittingly became the leader, dragging the group of cowboys behind her like a team of makeshift chariots. As he and Henry approached the cow, exhaustion evident in their movements, the cow suddenly turned around. In a split second, the cowboy's legs were swept out from under him, and he found himself sprawled on the ground before the steer. Instinctively, he grabbed hold of the cow's horns, desperately trying to maintain some control. With his adrenaline pumping, the cowboy could see Henry swiftly moving to secure the cow by the neck. Meanwhile, his brother, Benno, milked the cow into the beer bottle and made a dash towards the judges. Thomas, still hanging onto the cow's horns, observed Benno’s triumphant return with arms raised in victory, signaling that all was well.
Releasing his grip, Thomas slowly stood up, only to feel a sharp sensation in his left thigh. Looking down, he discovered a patch of blood, evidence of a goring wound. It was then that he realized that there was a missing fragment of time, a second and a half that disappeared from his memory. As medics rushed to his aid, he was pushed aside as they swiftly applied a tourniquet and secured him on an inflatable backboard, as the ambulance journey began.
The decision to return to Philmont, after enduring a significant setback, might seem perplexing. Yet, when asked why he came back, Thomas responded with introspection and sincerity. He acknowledged that most individuals would have opted to return home, seeking solace in familiar surroundings. However, Thomas felt an inexplicable draw to the mountains, yearning to stay in their embrace just a little longer.
He refused to let adversity dictate his path, refusing to be defeated. It was as if he had resolved not to let his circumstances define him, boldly saying, "I'm not ready to go home."
Thomas admitted that he had never truly questioned his decision to return until now. What fascinated him most was the very essence of why he came back, defying physical limitations despite the presence of a vacuum on his leg.
Furthermore, his conviction stemmed from the fact that his return to Philmont was driven by a genuine desire to continue his journey amidst the mountains that held him captive.
Returning home, Thomas believed, would put him in a state of boredom. It meant surrendering to the confines of recovery without the empowering backdrop of Philmont. At the ranch, he found solace in the possibility of active recovery, surrounded by the support of his Philmont family.
The significance of this chosen family was evident in the way they rallied around him during his time in the infirmary. They visited him, offering comfort and support, and ensured his well-being was closely monitored. Even when he couldn't partake in tasks such as feeding the horses, his Philmont family kept an eye on him. Their consideration and inclusiveness spoke volumes about the deep bonds that formed within the Philmont community.
It was this sense of kinship and the shared love for the land that ultimately drew Thomas back to Philmont. The Ranch represented more than just breathtaking views and thrilling adventures. It was a place where resilience flourished, where individuals were united by a common purpose, and where each day brought the promise of growth and self-discovery.
As the conversation ended, Thomas reflected on his journey, highlighting the transformative power of Philmont and its impact on his life, and his return to Philmont this year. The Ranch provided him with a unique opportunity to immerse himself in the wilderness, gain valuable skills, and forge lifelong connections. His passion for the outdoors, coupled with his love for teaching, led him to balance his Wrangler duties with a career as an elementary school teacher, a testament to his versatility and dedication.