RODEO NEWS

Unique Awards in ProRodeo

By Ann Bleiker

While the traditional trophy buckle remains rodeo’s most iconic award, many major ProRodeos now present unique, event-specific prizes that reflect their local culture and history.

Several recently concluded rodeos highlight how unique events chart their own traditions through distinctive trophies. For example, Rodeo Corpus Christi (formerly known as Buc Days ProRodeo) in Corpus Christi, Texas, awards its winners with surfboards—a nod to its proximity to the Gulf. In contrast, the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo in Oklahoma presents champions with custom belts. These belts are crafted by Dan Wheelock at Anchor Heart Rawhide & Leather in Gruver, Texas, and feature Montana Silversmiths conchos that display the rodeo name, the winning year, and the specific event.

Other events offer equally unconventional prizes. Rodeo Austin presents winners with branding irons featuring the rodeo’s logo, while RodeoHouston awards its Super Series Champions with guitars, often resulting in clever and memorable celebration photos.

Finally, since 2017, the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City has awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals to its top three finishers. This unique tradition honors the city’s history as host of the 2002 Winter Olympics and its future role as host in 2034.

So next time you are at a ProRodeo be sure to take account of what unique prizes they might have for their champions!

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