Retirement Of A Bucking Horse

Ty Murray: 7x World All-Around Champion, 2x PRCA World Champion Bull Rider, ProRode Hall of Fame Inductee, retired bronc lover.

Although Ty is known for his iconic bull riding career, he has a soft sport for many other NFR qualifiers. On his ranch in Texas, Ty gives a home to the four-legged arena stars or yester-years.

Ty’s retired herd consists of some of the most famous bucking horses in history. World champion bucking horses and horses that qualified to go to the NFR more times than Ty himself. Ty qualified for the NFR 8 times throughout his career.

In their retirement, the horses enjoy the lush grass of the Bosque banks. “Getting to spend years with them has been so fun. Some of them became pets others remained BRONCY till the end. Their personalities were all very different and individual,” said Ty.

The 12 horses laid to rest on the banks of the river are “Rusty” (PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year, 1981, Harry Vold Rodeo),  “Alibi” (1983, Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year, Dell Hall),  “Hermies Worm”, “Bud”, “Tequila”, “Satan’s Own”, “I’m No Angel”, “Miss KC”, “Motown”, “No Savvy”, “Good Times” and most recently, “Boot Scoot’n” (11 time NFR qualifier).

When the famous horses pass Ty and his father honor them by giving them a proper grave highlighting their career achievements. They also create a shoo-fly from their tails to carry with them on their saddles for many years to come.

History of the Herd

Ty’s explained how his herd started in a Facebook post. “It all started with the first world champion bucking horse I retired named Rusty. His grave marker, which was stolen but replaced, still stands at the first place I bought before moving to the ranch.”

He continues, “Rusty was one of the coolest bucking horses I have ever ridden. The stock contractor was still bucking him at college rodeos well after his prime. I called him up and said “Why don’t you send him to me to retire and live his life out comfortably on my ranch.” He agreed and sent Rusty and a famous bareback horse named Hermies Worm out to my place. I never had a plan to retire bucking horses. However, when I found out Rusty was too old but still being bucked it made me mad. I had a lot of respect for this horse and wanted him to go out as the champion he was.”

Ty’s herd has grown for almost 30 years and is showing no signs of stopping. We love Ty Murray’s story about retiring broncs.

To watch a video about Ty’s herd, watch Ty’s Tribute to Rodeo Broncs.