H.R. No. 1326
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Veteran bareback rodeo rider Rusty Riddle of Vernon
has been inducted into the 2009 class of the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall
of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Growing up on a dairy farm near Weatherford, Mr.
Riddle first became interested in rodeo riding after visiting a
high school rodeo in Hillsboro; he left home at age 16 to work for a
stock contractor, and his job gave him the opportunity to begin
practicing the sport of bareback riding; and
WHEREAS, In 1969, at the age of 18, Mr. Riddle earned his
rodeo permit, and the following year, he became a member of the
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and joined the professional
rodeo circuit; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Riddle was a serious contender in bareback
riding from the early days of his professional career, winning the
title at the Cheyenne Rodeo in 1972 and at the Houston Rodeo in
1975; he also took first place three times at the Fort Worth Rodeo;
and
WHEREAS, An injury kept him from reaching the National Finals
Rodeo in 1971, but Mr. Riddle made his debut at the NFR the
following year; even though he competed with his arm in a cast, he
placed on five horses and finished fourth in the average standings;
so began eight consecutive appearances at the NFR, and during those
rodeos, he rode a total of 80 horses and was bucked off of only one
of them; moreover, from 1972 to 1975, he battled Joe Alexander for
the world championship in bareback riding, finishing as runner-up
each year; and
WHEREAS, Rusty Riddle's skill and dedication made him one of
the leading rodeo riders of his generation and an inspiration to
younger competitors, and he is truly deserving of this prestigious
recognition from his peers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Rusty Riddle on his induction into
the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and extend to him sincere best wishes
for continued happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Riddle as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Hardcastle
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1326 was adopted by the House on April
23, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House