EVENTS
All-Around Champion Cowboy, 1941
Steer Wrestler, Champion, 1940, 1942-1945, 1948
Undeniably the finest steer wrestler, or bulldogger, of all time, Homer Pettigrew was born on a Grady, New Mexico, ranch in 1914. He started rodeoing in the Southwest during the early 1930s and dominated the professional circuit throughout the following decade.
An excellent horseman, Pettigrew made getting down on a hard-running steer look easy. His strength and coordination won him an unprecedented six championship titles in steer wrestling, as well as three reserve championships, between 1940 and 1950. During this era he was also a contender in calf roping, winning second nationally in 1945 and 1949.
Homer Pettigrew retired from competitive rodeo during the 1950s. In 1961 Rodeo Sports News observed, “There may never be another cowboy that can take charge of an event the way he did, and keep it in hand so long.” He died in 1997.
