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National Rodeo Hall of Fame
Inducted in 1988
Rufus Rollens
EVENTS
Saddle Bronc Rider
Bareback Bronc Rider
According to his cousin, Will Rogers, Rufus Rollen was one of the best bronc riders who ever lived. Born in 1891 near Claremore, Oklahoma, Rollens gained experience with horses on the family farm. In the pre-World War I years, he moved to Montana, where he broke mounts for the U.S. Army.
In a brilliant rodeo career that lasted only from 1913 to 1919, Rufus Rollens dominated the bronc-riding events. Competing throughout the United States and Canada, he won the World Championship trophy in Calgary in 1913. Three years later, he captured the bareback riding crown at Chicago and the saddle-bronc title at New York. Rollen was the first cowboy to make a qualified ride on the notorious bronc, Tipperary, and in 1917, he rode Blue Jay, the most infamous bucking horse since Steamboat.
In the 1930s, Rollen produced a Wild West show/rodeo that traveled throughout mid-America. Long ignored by rodeo historians because of a prison record, he is now acknowledged as one of the sport’s greatest all-around cowboys. Rollen died in 1972.
EVENTS
Saddle Bronc Rider
Bareback Bronc Rider
According to his cousin, Will Rogers, Rufus Rollen was one of the best bronc riders who ever lived. Born in 1891 near Claremore, Oklahoma, Rollens gained experience with horses on the family farm. In the pre-World War I years, he moved to Montana, where he broke mounts for the U.S. Army.
In a brilliant rodeo career that lasted only from 1913 to 1919, Rufus Rollens dominated the bronc-riding events. Competing throughout the United States and Canada, he won the World Championship trophy in Calgary in 1913. Three years later, he captured the bareback riding crown at Chicago and the saddle-bronc title at New York. Rollen was the first cowboy to make a qualified ride on the notorious bronc, Tipperary, and in 1917, he rode Blue Jay, the most infamous bucking horse since Steamboat.
In the 1930s, Rollen produced a Wild West show/rodeo that traveled throughout mid-America. Long ignored by rodeo historians because of a prison record, he is now acknowledged as one of the sport’s greatest all-around cowboys. Rollen died in 1972.
