Branding in the Rain: A Collection of Ranching and Rodeo Poetry is the first printed anthology from North Dakota cowboy poet, Carson Houser. With a ranching heritage tracing back several generations and an active rodeo career, Houser combines rhyme, meter, rosin, and branding smoke to paint a picture of the life he lives and admires. Illustrated by Montana artist Libby Twitchell, Branding in the Rain is a beautiful compilation of authentic western poetry and art that is sure to find a home on the bookshelves of cowboy poetry enthusiasts for generations to come.
 
“In a year when North Dakota and cowboy poetry at large has lost the great Rodney Nelson, it is good to see a young cowboy poet coming up and repping for the Dakotas. Carson Houser's Branding in the Rain is a collection of poems that reflect Carson's deep roots in ranching and rodeo. Back in the day, I competed at rodeos with Carson's father and can attest that he comes by his voice honestly. It is a voice that is straight-forward, honest and funny. My favorite in this collection is titled, "Buckin’ Horse Sky," but then my heroes have also always been bronc riders. I hope you throw a loop on one from this collection and saddle it as your own favorite.”
 
-Shadd Piehl-
North Dakota Associate State Poet Laureate
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Performer