A relic of rodeos past

The 1972-vintage saddle, built by the Bonney saddlery, was given to the top all-around competitor, that meant competing in both timed and rough stock events, said Damon Hulit of the rodeo association.

The saddle was brought to the association’s attention by the owner s, Terry and Sandra Keeton, in Plano, Texas. The sellers had purchased the saddle at a garage sale.

“After some research, they actually found and contacted one of our directors,” Hulit said. “The association bought it back.”

Directors plan to clean up the item, put it on display. The association’s first inclination isn’t to keep it hidden, Hulit said. The group thought of offering it to the Fort Dalles Museum to put on display or some other venue.

“We haven’t decided a permanent location yet,” Hulit said, “but it was bought to keep as a memento.”