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National Rodeo Hall of Fame
Inducted in 2012
Dave Appleton
1960
Texas, Australia
All Around Champion: 1988
Dave Appleton, an Australian-born rodeo cowboy, began his career at 16, competing in bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riding. After joining the Australian Rough Riders Association at 18, he qualified for their National Finals in bareback and saddle bronc before moving to the U.S. in 1980 to attend Western Texas College. He started rodeoing professionally in 1982 and went on to qualify for the PRCA National Finals Rodeo 11 times. In 1988, Appleton became the first Australian to win a PRCA world championship, claiming the title of World Champion All-Around Cowboy. His versatility in both bareback and saddle bronc riding led to his victory over three-time all-around champion Lewis Feild by a narrow margin.
Appleton’s achievements include winning the 1988 NFR bareback riding average championship and the 1986 NFR saddle bronc riding average crown. He qualified for the NFR eight times in bareback riding and three times in saddle bronc. Appleton, originally aspiring to be a jockey, shifted to rodeo after outgrowing the sport at 15. His resilience, especially on difficult horses, earned him respect. He also pioneered the PRCA patch program in 1990, securing sponsorships, including from American Airlines, providing valuable support to fellow rodeo athletes.
Dave Appleton, an Australian-born rodeo cowboy, began his career at 16, competing in bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riding. After joining the Australian Rough Riders Association at 18, he qualified for their National Finals in bareback and saddle bronc before moving to the U.S. in 1980 to attend Western Texas College. He started rodeoing professionally in 1982 and went on to qualify for the PRCA National Finals Rodeo 11 times. In 1988, Appleton became the first Australian to win a PRCA world championship, claiming the title of World Champion All-Around Cowboy. His versatility in both bareback and saddle bronc riding led to his victory over three-time all-around champion Lewis Feild by a narrow margin.
Appleton’s achievements include winning the 1988 NFR bareback riding average championship and the 1986 NFR saddle bronc riding average crown. He qualified for the NFR eight times in bareback riding and three times in saddle bronc. Appleton, originally aspiring to be a jockey, shifted to rodeo after outgrowing the sport at 15. His resilience, especially on difficult horses, earned him respect. He also pioneered the PRCA patch program in 1990, securing sponsorships, including from American Airlines, providing valuable support to fellow rodeo athletes.
