World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, 1974
Born at Kingman, Kansas, in 1940, John McBeth commenced his rodeo career as a saddle-bronc rider at the age of 16 in 1956. He would remain in and around the arena for more than 30 years as competitor, circuit manager, arena judge, and commentator.
McBeth’s competitive career, which ended in 1988, was crowned with the 1974 World Saddle Bronc Rider Championship, but it included qualifications in 11 National Finals Rodeos and titles at major venues such as Houston and Fort Worth. From 1975 to 1985, McBeth was manager of the PRCA’s Prairie Circuit, and he conducted rodeo camps (1969-1988 and 2009-2010). He also has judged the NFR, as well as the National High School Finals and the College National Finals.
For several years John McBeth served as a television commentator at the NFR for the Hesston Corporation. He was inducted into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2008, and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2010.
