Wood, Marty

Marty Wood, who began his rodeo career as a bareback rider and bull rider, made his mark in ProRodeo in saddle bronc riding. During his career, he won three world titles, three Canadian Professional Rodeo Association championships and the aggregate crown at every major rodeo in the United States. In 1974, he was saddle bronc riding’s biggest money winner. Born June 4, 1933, in Bowness, Alberta, Wood’s first love was baseball. Although an early ankle injury took baseball out of the picture, it had no effect on his ability in rodeo. He was known for his colorful style, which also included incredible balance and ability to anticipate the horses’ moves. Speculation is these two key skills were developed when he rode the jumping horses his father raised and trained. The USA’s first glimpse of this talented rider was in 1953 when, as an amateur, he won saddle bronc riding and most of the day money in Omaha (Neb). He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1991.