EVENTS
Saddle Bronc Rider, Champion, 1948
Loaded with natural ability, Gene Pruett at one time or another contested in every event, including Roman riding. He was born at Moscow, Idaho, in 1917, into a family of bronc riders who taught him the trade.
Gene Pruett entered rodeo in 1934 in Ellensburg, Washington. By 1939 he was a full-time competitor, eventually specializing in the saddle bronc event. Always cool under pressure, he usually finished in the money at all the big shows–New York, Cheyenne, Pendleton, Chicago, and Fort Worth. Pruett capped his career with the saddle-bronc championship in 1948.
Gene Pruett retired in 1955 after competing on at least 2,500 bucking horses in a 20-year period. He served as editor of Rodeo Sport News from 1959 to 1965. Gene Pruett died in 1988.
