Hedeman, Richard “Tuff”
Bull Riding • Inducted 1997
Richard “Tuff” Hedeman truly lived up to his nickname. Born March 2, 1963, in El Paso, Texas, he rode his first calf at age 4. He roped calves, winning the first roping he entered, rode saddle broncs, and at 13, started riding bulls. He won the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association bull riding and all around titles in 1980 and the team roping and all-around in 1981. As a member of the Sul Ross State University rodeo team, he competed in saddle bronc riding, bull riding, team roping and steer wrestling. That team went on to win the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) men’s team championship. Hedeman joined the PRCA in 1983 and filled his permit with just one rodeo, competing in saddle bronc riding. He qualified for the 1984 NFR in just his second year as a professional. He went on to qualify 11 more times for the big show, winning three world titles in bull riding. He passed the $1 million career earnings mark in 1993. Hedeman could just as easily have been nicknamed “Try.” His fellow bull riders said his “can do” attitude is what made him such an outstanding competitor. Hedeman says he always knew his natural ability and balance would give him a career in the sport. “Nine times out of 10, when a guy gets bucked off, it’s because of a weak heart,” Hedeman said. “What I lack in talent, I’ll make up in effort.”
Accolades
Biography
World Championships: 3
Bull Riding: 1986, 1989, 1991
National Finals Rodeo Average Champion
Bull Riding: 1989, 1987
RAM Circuit Finals Rodeo Champion
Bull Riding: 1987 (tie), 1989
RAM Circuit Year-End Champion
Texas Circuit:
Bull Riding: 1985, 1986
Olympic Medals
Silver – Bull Riding – 1988 Calgary Stampede Challenge Cup
Born: March 2, 1963 in El Paso, Texas
Joined the PRCA: 1983
NFR Qualifications: 12
Rodeo Championships
California Rodeo Salinas / Salinas, CA
Bull Riding: 1986
Cheyenne Frontier Days / Cheyenne, WY
All-Around: 1988
Bull Riding: 1995, 1996
Clovis Rodeo / Clovis, CA
Bull Riding: 1992
Cody Stampede / Cody, WY
Bull Riding: 1996
Deadwood Days of ’76 Rodeo / Deadwood, SD
Bull Riding: 1986
Dodge City Roundup / Dodge City, KS
Bull Riding: 1990
Ellensburg Rodeo / Ellensburg, WA
Bull Riding: 1989
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo / Fort Worth, TX
Bull Riding: 1985
Grand National Stock Show & Rodeo / San Francisco, CA
Bull Riding: 1986
Greeley Stampede / Greeley, CO
Bull Riding: 1990, 1991, 1997
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo / Tucson, AZ
Bull Riding: 1998
National Western Stock Show & Rodeo / Denver, CO
Bull Riding: 1986, 1991
Red Bluff Round-Up / Red Bluff, CA
Bull Riding: 1986, 1992
Reno Rodeo / Reno, NV
Bull Riding: 1988 (tie), 1991 (tie)
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo / San Antonio, TX
Bull Riding: 1989, 1992
West of the Pecos / Pecos, TX
Bull Riding: 1997
World’s Oldest Rodeo Prescott Frontier Days / Prescott, AZ
Bull Riding: 1993
