2008

Martin 'Bud' Connelly

A True Rodeo Legend

Date: 2008 Written By:

Martin “Bud” Connelly- 60 years this outstanding athlete has been competing in Rodeo. A strong competitor in high school in 1951, Bud was a two-year District champion and All-Around runner for the next 2 years. A National High School Rodeo finalist in 51 and 54, and at age 74, he was still competing! A 14-time holder of the IRCA Canadian Champion title, NRA Bareback Champ, NRA Saddle Bronc Champ, and finally topping it off as NRA All-Around Champ. This Great Champion has won over 400 Rodeo Belt Buckles and 20-plus saddles. Winning 400 Belt Buckles is like playing in 400 basketball tournaments and winning Most Valuable Player each time.

“Bud the ‘old veteran’ is like a good bottle of wine, which seems to improve with age.” – Kaini News 1975

Bud continued to contribute to rodeo beyond riding, wrestling, and roping. He judged and produced rodeos, furnished rodeo stock, and served as President of the United Indian Rodeo Association. Bud even acted in few movies – Hidalgo, Cheyenne, and Appaloosa.

Noted as being one of the best cowboys in the history of Blackfeet Country, Montana, and Canada. Bud not only branded his legacy by riding and roping in the rodeos, but he was also dedicated to helping future generations of young cowboys learn and perfect their events. He provided advice and, for some, paid their entry fees.