KILLER BEE

Livestock

Inducted 2026

Killer Bee had a unique start for a bucking horse. At two months old, she lost her mother to colic and became an orphan bottle baby on the Beutler Ranch. She would stand for scratches and rubs and come in to be fed. She followed whoever had the milk bottle around like a big pet, an would take peppermint treats from generous hands.

But then she entered the rodeo arena, and her genetic instincts kicked in. Her father was the great Beutler stallion Commotion and her mother was NFR bucking horse Molly Bee. In her career, Killer Bee would make 11 trips to the National Finals Rodeo in both the saddle bronc and bareback event. She took home the Saddle Bronc of the NFR three times (2013, 2014, and 2018) and Bareback Horse of the NFR twice (2020 and 2022). She was honored with the PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year title in 2019.

Killer Bee had a reputation as a rank horse in either of her events. If a cowboy could stay on her, he was guaranteed a check. She and Tanner Aus teamed up at the 95th La Fiesta de los Vaqueros for a record score of 93. Her final ride at the 2022 National Finals Rodeo saw Dawson Hay score a round winning 92. She gave the crowd a chance for a standing ovation as she trotted around the arena one last time.

Killer Bee retired to the Beutler Ranch in Oklahoma where she entered the Born to Buck breeding program. After her retirement, she had to be watched closely as the broncs were loaded because she would try to sneak on to make the next rodeo. Sadly, she suffered complications with a foal and passed away at 19.

Born 2005 in Elk City, Oklahoma

Died July 10, 2024 in Canyon, Texas