Back to all
National Rodeo Hall of Fame
Inducted in 2026
James Allen "Hoss" Inman
Born on November 15, 1929, James Allen Inman earned the nickname “Hoss” for his exceptional speed on the football field. While his early years were spent ranching in Colorado and competing as an amateur, his true calling lay in equine management and rodeo production. After attending Lamar Junior College, Inman refined his skills training Quarter Horses under the mentorship of California racing legend Henry Moreno.
In 1954, Inman established the Flying I Rodeo company after purchasing stock from Lester Hines. Over the next 23 years, he became a premier contractor throughout the Midwest. A pioneer in the sport, the well-dressed and personable Inman was the first producer to give bucking bulls names instead of numbers, adding a new level of engagement for fans. His eye for talent was unmatched; he provided nine head of stock for the very first National Finals Rodeo. Among his legendary animals was “Jesse James,” who went to the finals 11 years and was the 1961 PRCA Horse of the Year, and “Sippin’ Velvet,” a six-time Texas Circuit Top Horse.
Beyond the arena, Inman served as the NIRA Secretary-Manager, producing their Finals during the 1960s. In retirement, he transitioned to the track, saddling 33 winners at Ak-Sar-Ben in 1986 alone. He was inducted into the Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame in 1992, just one year before his passing in 1993. His legacy remains a cornerstone of rodeo and racing history.
Born on November 15, 1929, James Allen Inman earned the nickname “Hoss” for his exceptional speed on the football field. While his early years were spent ranching in Colorado and competing as an amateur, his true calling lay in equine management and rodeo production. After attending Lamar Junior College, Inman refined his skills training Quarter Horses under the mentorship of California racing legend Henry Moreno.
In 1954, Inman established the Flying I Rodeo company after purchasing stock from Lester Hines. Over the next 23 years, he became a premier contractor throughout the Midwest. A pioneer in the sport, the well-dressed and personable Inman was the first producer to give bucking bulls names instead of numbers, adding a new level of engagement for fans. His eye for talent was unmatched; he provided nine head of stock for the very first National Finals Rodeo. Among his legendary animals was “Jesse James,” who went to the finals 11 years and was the 1961 PRCA Horse of the Year, and “Sippin’ Velvet,” a six-time Texas Circuit Top Horse.
Beyond the arena, Inman served as the NIRA Secretary-Manager, producing their Finals during the 1960s. In retirement, he transitioned to the track, saddling 33 winners at Ak-Sar-Ben in 1986 alone. He was inducted into the Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame in 1992, just one year before his passing in 1993. His legacy remains a cornerstone of rodeo and racing history.
