Henson, Monty

Saddle Bronc Riding • Inducted 1994

Three-time world saddle bronc riding champion Monty “Hawkeye” Henson became one of the most colorful and personable cowboys on the circuit and a master of the flying dismount. Born Oct. 22, 1953, in Farmersville, Texas, Henson grew up around Pete and Don Gay with his first association with rodeo in Mesquite, Texas. His style and ability have been compared to those of the legendary Casey Tibbs. He qualified for the National Finals Rodeo 14 times. Henson was quoted as saying, “I’m a cowboy. That’s the best thing anybody could say about me. If I could have that on my tombstone – Here lies Hawkeye, a cowboy – then I can die a happy man.”

World Championships: 3

Saddle Bronc Riding: 1975, 1976, 1982

National Finals Rodeo Average Champion

Saddle Bronc Riding: 1976, 1982, 1984, 1985

RAM Circuit Year-End Champion

Texas Circuit:

Saddle Bronc Riding: 1977, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1988, 1989

Born: October 22, 1953 in Farmersville, Texas

NFR Qualifications: 14

Buffalo Bill Rodeo / North Platte, NE
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1976

Cheyenne Frontier Days / Cheyenne, WY
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1976

Clovis Rodeo / Clovis, CA
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1978

Cody Stampede / Cody, WY
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1981

Dodge City Roundup / Dodge City, KS
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1982

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo / Fort Worth, TX
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1977

Greeley Stampede / Greeley, CO
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1982

Iowa’s Championship Rodeo / Sidney, IA
All-Around: 1974
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1974, 1978, 1982, 1984, 1990 (tie)

Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo / Ogden, UT
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1979, 1985 (tie)

Reno Rodeo / Reno, NV
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1983 (tie)