Deadwood, South Dakota
Ride High, T.C., Ride High: Honoring a Rodeo Legacy
Every cowboy’s got a story, and T.C. Holloway’s is one of grit, determination, and pure love for the rodeo. Born into a family steeped in rodeo history—his great-uncle was none other than Casey Tibbs—T.C. started his bronc riding career young. In fact, his first “bucking horse” was his brother, Chuck, right there in the family living room near Eagle Butte, South Dakota. From a bucking barrel in the yard to qualifying for the National High School Rodeo Finals and later the College National Finals, T.C. had the cowboy spirit running through his veins from day one.
When T.C. hit the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit in 1997, he didn’t just show up—he made waves. He won the Saddle Bronc Championship at the Badlands Circuit Finals and snagged the Resistol Saddle Bronc Rookie of the Year title in his first year. He went on to compete in the National Finals Rodeo and took the saddle bronc event at the Days of ’76 Rodeo in Deadwood in 2000.
But life’s trail can take sudden turns. T.C.’s journey was cut short in a tragic car accident on August 28, 2001, near Faith, South Dakota. His loss hit the rodeo community hard, but his legacy lives on in more ways than one. In 2005, I had the honor of sculpting Ride High, T.C., Ride High, a half life-size bronze based on photographs of T.C. doing what he loved most—riding broncs. The statue stands proud in Deadwood at the Days of ’76 Museum, at the request of the Holloway family, who still share deep ties with the community.
This statue isn’t just about honoring one cowboy—it’s about celebrating the spirit of rodeo, the legacy of a family, and the courage it takes to get back on the bronc, time and time again. If you’re ever in Deadwood, take a moment to tip your hat to T.C.. He’s still riding high in the hearts of all who knew him.
