Koltin Hevalow will miss the Kansas City Outlaws’ home event this weekend, but the injured bull rider is already focused on the work of getting back in the arena.

Hevalow, 23, broke his femur during a practice session in Texas, Outlaws coach J.W. Hart said. A bull stepped on his leg, and Hevalow had surgery. About three weeks later, he said he was meeting with doctors and beginning physical therapy to learn what recovery will require.

He does not yet have a return date. Hart estimated Hevalow could be sidelined for six to eight months, but Hevalow said he is determined to return.

“No matter how hard I have to work at it and how long it takes, I will come back to the rider that I was,” Hevalow said.

The injury will keep Hevalow from competing when the Outlaws host PBR Teams: Outlaw Days at T-Mobile Center on Oct. 23-25. He said being unable to ride is difficult.

“Bull riding is my way of life,” Hevalow said. “That’s how I pay for my family.”

Hevalow is in his fifth year as a professional rider. He said he lived between Smithville and Platte City and attended Platte County schools until his freshman year, when he switched to homeschooling because he was frequently away competing.

Rodeo is a family tradition. Hevalow said his father rode professionally and helped him practice, correct mistakes and improve. He called his father his biggest role model. Rodeo also taught him that a rider never stops learning.

“You never get comfortable,” Hevalow said. “You learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Hart said the Outlaws began watching Hevalow as he advanced through youth competition, where he was a champion at every level. The team selected him from the Arizona Ridge Riders’ reserve roster during the first quarter of the Outlaws’ first season.

Now a versatile rider in the Outlaws’ lineup, Hevalow has recorded a career-high ride of 90.75 points on a bull named Ridin’ Salty, according to the team’s information sheet. Hart said he can place Hevalow in different spots in the lineup and count on him to deliver.

Hart also praised Hevalow’s attitude away from competition, saying he brings a positive outlook to practices and workouts.

“He’s a leader,” Hart said. “You never hear him complain. You never hear him have negative words. It’s always a ‘Let’s get it’ type mentality.”

Hevalow said he is drawing support from his family, including his wife and 4-month-old son, and a few friends. He said he is trying to use his time away from competition as motivation.

“Everything I set my mind to, I’ve accomplished, and I’m not done yet,” Hevalow said.