Like most of the people from my rural town, I grew up around horses, so riding is second nature for me. But after I turned 18, I traded the ranch life for school and studied software engineering. A few years later, I settled into my first job at a start-up. I rarely mentioned my past because I often felt out of place among the tech bros. However, during that first warm spring in my new city, my cowboy currency was in hot demand. My roommate and coworker, Ryan, was a big time LARP-er and fantasy geek. He helped organize a huge Renaissance festival, and he pestered me nonstop about joining the club and being a knight.

“Connor, none of the other guys who signed up can actually handle a horse. I need someone who won’t fall off and who knows how to put on a good show.”

I rolled my eyes and said,... Read More