Bill Smith

Saddle Bronc Riding • Inducted 1979

Bill Smith, born July 28, 1941, in Red Lodge, Mont., is one of a few men with the distinction of winning three saddle bronc riding titles, doing so in 1969, 1971 and 1973. A professional horse breaker in his youth, Smith started his professional career at age 20. Ranked consistently among the world’s best bronc riders, he went to the National Finals Rodeo in 1965. For the next 13 years, he failed to make the NFR only once and that was because of an injury. A steady taciturn man, Smith is universally respected in professional rodeo and bears the affectionate nickname, “Cody,” after his adopted hometown in Wyoming. He has served as saddle bronc director on the association’s Board of Directors.

World Championships: 3

Saddle Bronc Riding: 1969, 1971, 1973

Born: July 28, 1941 in Red Lodge, Montana

Joined PRCA: 1961

NFR Qualifications: 13

Cheyenne Frontier Days / Cheyenne, WY
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1970

Cody Stampede / Cody, WY
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1972 (tie)

Greeley Stampede / Greeley, CO
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1971 (tie), 1975

Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo / Guymon, OK
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1965, 1974 (tie)

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo / Tucson, AZ
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1973, 1976

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo / Denver, CO
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1968

Red Bluff Round-Up / Red Bluff, CA
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1966

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo / San Antonio, TX
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1969, 1973, 1974

Snake River Stampede / Nampa, ID
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1968, 1969, 1975

World’s Oldest Rodeo Prescott Frontier Days / Prescott, AZ
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1974 (tie)