Casey Tibbs on Old Gray Mare

Description

Every now and then, a story comes along that just sticks with you—the kind of tale that makes its way through ranch kitchens, rodeo arenas, and down the generations. For Casey Tibbs, one of the greatest bronc riders to ever live, that story starts with an unlikely horse: the Old Gray Mare.

If you know rodeo history, you’ve probably heard about Casey and this ornery gray mare at the Fort Pierre Rodeo. She wasn’t one of those high-dollar broncs bred to buck—she was just a ranch horse, a little sour on folks trying to ride her. But that day, she gave Casey a ride for the ages. He took her straight down the middle, spurring every jump and showing that unmistakable style that made him a six-time world champion.

This piece is about more than just a ride—it’s about a moment. The Old Gray Mare wasn’t just a horse, and Casey wasn’t just any cowboy. Together, they made a story worth telling, one that reminds us that greatness can come from the most unexpected places. I tried to capture that grit and grace, Casey’s ease in the saddle, and the raw, natural movement of a horse that wasn’t about to make things easy.

Every detail is a nod to the legend of Casey Tibbs and the Old Gray Mare—two icons that prove the best rides aren’t always planned. If you’ve ever known a cowboy who could make the tough ones look easy, this bronze is for you.