Tommy Lucia was born June 1, 1941, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has spent 30 years in the entertainment field, performing at rodeos, horse shows, circuses and fairs. His acts have been featured in television shows, commercials, movies and command performances before international celebrities and royalty. Lucia was named the PRCA Act of the Year three consecutive years, (2003-2005) for his act with Whiplash, a Capuchin monkey.
When Whiplash rides into the arena astride his Border collie mount Ben, decked out in his cowboy duds and custom-made saddle, the audience is assured of a fun, fast paced and incredibly unique performance. In addition, to the dog-riding, sheep-herding monkey, Lucia has trained In His Glory II, a sway back horse with amazing ability.
Together, Lucia of Weatherford, Texas, and Whiplash have performed at almost every major rodeo and stock show in the country, visiting 48 states, Canada and Mexico.
In addition, Lucia was a barrelman at the Fort Worth Rodeo from 1969 to 1979, as well as a rodeo clown at the 1973 NFR.
