Cowboy Heroes

by Jim Olson

“Vicente Oropeza — First World Champion Trick Roper”

The first recognized champion of the world in the “Trick and Fancy Roping” event belonged to Vicente Oropeza (sometimes spelled as Vincente Oropeso) of Puebla, Mexico. The year was 1900.

It has long been accepted that the American Cowboy first learned his trade from the Mexican Vaquero. The Vaquero had been “cowboying” in what is now the American Southwest and Northern Mexico since the 1500s.… Read the rest

Cowboy Heroes

by Jim Olson

“Geronimo – Last Surrender to the First Rodeo”

When Sitting Bull agreed to appear in Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show in 1885, he gave world-wide attention to the Native American Indian and their participation in Wild West Shows (the predecessor of today’s rodeos). Buffalo’s Bill’s Wild West Show captivated audiences from 1883—1913. Other famous Native Americans who performed with the show at various times included Geronimo, Chief Joseph, and Rains In The Face.… Read the rest

Cowboy Heroes

by Jim Olson

“Tommy Kirnan – Man of Many Talents”

Trick riding and roping are now considered “specialty acts” in the world of professional rodeo. That was not always the case. There used to be many men and women who competed at them. They were judged events.

Tommy Kirnan (sometimes misspelled as Kiernan) was born November 9, 1893 at Bayonne, New Jersey. His parents were Irish immigrants, and not much is known of his early boyhood years.… Read the rest