This Week in the West: Ty Murray, All-Around Rodeo Greatness

🤠This Week in the West 🎙️ Episode 49: Ty Murray, All-Around Rodeo Greatness 

📢 Episode Summary: This episode of This Week in the West celebrates Ty Murray, one of the most accomplished rodeo cowboys in history. Born in Arizona on October 11, 1969, Murray grew up surrounded by rodeo culture—his parents were both accomplished riders, and his mother was even a two-time bull riding champion. From a young age, Ty set his sights on greatness, training relentlessly and studying gymnastics to improve his balance and agility. His dedication paid off when he met his idol, rodeo legend Larry Mahan, who took him under his wing.

Murray’s rise was meteoric. He joined the PRCA at 18, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 1988, and by 1989, he became the youngest cowboy ever to win the All-Around World Championship. He went on to tie Jim Shoulders’ record of six consecutive titles and later surpassed his mentor, Larry Mahan, with a seventh in 1998. Known for his courage, he repeatedly faced legendary bulls like Bodacious and Red Wolf, enduring broken bones and dislocated shoulders while creating some of the sport’s most iconic moments.

Beyond the arena, Murray helped shape modern rodeo by co-founding Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) in 1992, elevating bull riding to a global sport. Even after retiring in 2002, he continued to promote the sport as a commentator, celebrity competitor, and ambassador. Inducted into both the National Rodeo Hall of Fame and PBR’s Heroes & Legends, Ty Murray remains a symbol of grit, humility, and the enduring spirit of the cowboy.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• How Ty Murray’s family heritage and early training shaped his path to rodeo greatness
• The story behind his record-breaking career and his legendary duels with bulls like Bodacious and Red Wolf
• How Murray’s vision and leadership helped found the PBR, transforming bull riding into a global phenomenon

👥 Behind the Scenes Host: Seth Spillman Producer: Chase Spivey Writer: Mike Koehler

🔗 Further research:

• The PBR: https://www.pbr.com/
• Ty Murray on Dancing with the Stars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i7Hi8sRZJE
• Ty Murray on the Dale Brisby podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_W3tue2tQs

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