EVENTS
Saddle Bronc Rider
Lee Caldwell was probably the first professional saddle bronc rider. Born on an Oregon ranch in 1892, he grew up handling rough stock. He won his first contest at Athena, Oregon, at age 16. In his youth he traveled locally with Sam Marsh’s 2-Bar-X Wild West Show and later with the famed 101 Ranch Show.
In the pre-World War I years, Lee Caldwell won every major riding title in North America. At age 24 he won six major rodeos, including Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Miles City, Idaho Falls, Elko, and Walla Walla. In 1915 he captured the Pendleton championship for the first time, and in 1916 he won the Canadian championship.
At war’s outbreak, Caldwell organized a group of cowboys who joined the famous Rainbow Division, which saw heavy action in France. After retiring from the arena, Caldwell trained thoroughbred horses in Stockton, California. He died in 1952.
