Bruce, Winston

Saddle Bronc Riding • Inducted 1989

Canada’s Winston Bruce has made his mark on rodeo, not only as a contestant but also as an administrator. As a rodeo competitor, Bruce was a 10-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in saddle bronc riding. The native of Stettler, Alberta, developed a winning style through hours of practice, even in the snow. He summed up his formula for success as nerve, ability, coordination, balance and try. Bruce was the 1957-58 Canadian saddle bronc riding champion, and he won the saddle bronc riding title at Calgary and Cheyenne in 1959. In 1961, Bruce won the world title. The son of a stock contractor, Bruce grew up around cowboys and rodeos. In 1969, Bruce made the move from competing to working in rodeo. He was named assistant arena director of the Calgary Stampede, and in 1970, he became arena director. From 1980-2002, he served as division manager for the rodeo, supervising the production of the Calgary Stampede and the rodeo stock breeding program. Bruce, born Oct. 27, 1937, was the first Canadian contestant inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

World Championships: 1

Saddle Bronc Riding: 1961

Born: October 27, 1937 in Stettler, Alberta, Canada
Died: July 10, 2017 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

California Rodeo Salinas / Salinas, CA
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1962

Cheyenne Frontier Days / Cheyenne, WY
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1959

Cody Stampede / Cody, WY
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1966 (tie)

Grand National Stock Show & Rodeo / San Francisco, CA
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1962

Greeley Stampede / Greeley, CO
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1963

Iowa’s Championship Rodeo / Sidney, IA
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1965

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo / Denver, CO
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1961

Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo / Ogden, UT
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1963

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo / San Antonio, TX
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1961

Snake River Stampede / Nampa, ID
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1964