Ralph Shimon Bareback Bronc Rigging Owned by Pro Rodeo Cowboy Rod Staudinger

**This rigging is being sold on an eBay auction to raise money for the North Dakota and Minnesota High School Rodeo Associations.**

We are offering this item for ‘purchase’ on our website, but prefer it to be purchased through eBay to raise as much money as possible.

Link to Auction: https://www.ebay.com/itm/176525348013

Info on Rigging: This rigging is chock full of history, and frankly needs to be apart of a collection or a museum. Not only because of the maker, but because of its owner. We will be completely frank, we don’t know a darn thing about bareback bronc riding, rigging, or tack. What we do know is that the maker of this bareback rigging is a heck of a maker, Ralph Shimon. Ralph, now in his 80’s got his start in Colorado by braiding and selling bull ropes. After years in the rodeo circuit, Ralph started building saddles and rodeo equipment. Quickly becoming the ‘go to’ guy for rodeo gear and ranch saddles. This is an older piece, but is tight and in good used condition. Heavy stitching, large side rigging rings that are tight, with angled wood handle with leather on one side. Has real wool shearling on the underside. Post has been professionally moved at some point. While this rigging is sound and up for more work, this one has an incredible story to tell (below) and that is what makes this rigging so special. Take a look at the pictures for more info and detail. If you have more specific questions, we will do out best to answer.

History of Rigging: We’ve often gotten tack and saddles in that we wish could tell their stories. The stories of their riders, of hours trailing cattle, of the adventures they’ve been on, the landscapes they’ve seen. While this bareback bronc rigging isn’t sharing all of its stories, it does share a name. Rod. Rod Staudinger to be specific.

Rod, as the Greely Tribune aptly stated, was a rodeo man through and through. Rod was a multi-event pro rodeo series cowboy from 1969-1987. After he retired from the pro circuit, he dedicated his life to sharing the love of rodeo and livestock with kids. Throughout the years, Rod held hundreds of youth rodeos, sponsoring many kids who without his help couldn’t afford to follow their dreams. For countless kids, he served as a mentor and friend. He was also passionate about his faith, hosting many bible camps and was active in his local Cowboy Church. Rod was dedicated to this until his untimely death in 2006.

While we never had the opportunity to meet Rod Staudinger while he was alive, we have found ourselves inspired by his life and his work. This bareback bronc rigging that has clearly seen lots of broncs, many arenas, and likely hundreds of rodeos has inspired us to share the story of the name carved into its leather. We also wish to share his legacy of supporting youth riders in pursing their love of rodeo. With part of the proceeds of the sale of this rigging, we will be making a donation to the North Dakota and Minnesota High School Rodeo Associations.

We hope that this also inspires you to share the stories of generations past, of the adventures you and your saddles/tack have gone on, and to share the love horses.