Bareback, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling
Rusty Riddle was born December 31, 1948, a happy and mischievous redhead whose work and riding motto was “you gotta give it all you got.” Riddle rode bareback and bulls and steer wrestled. He qualified for the National Finals bareback event from 1972 through 1979, and was runner-up to the champion four times. During those eight finals, he was only bucked off once by Billy Minick’s Devil’s Dream. Rusty rode 79 out of 80 horses, and won Houston twice, Fort Worth three times and in 1972 won Cheyenne. He also competed at Oklahoma City, Calgary, San Antonio, Tucson, San Francisco and more. Riddle was the Lone Star Circuit Champ in 1987 and in late 1970s he was on their Board. When a broken leg ended his competing, he became a reserve judge for PRCA from 1981 through 2005, judging in the Midwest. He was PRCA spokesman for bareback riders from 1974 through 1978, and was the 1975 Winston Rodeo Awards leader. Altogether, Riddle spent 33 years in the rodeo arena. He was inducted to the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2009. He was a member of the AJRA and PRCA, and holds Gold Card #C11468. Today, he ranches near Vernon, Texas.
