Incredible just doesn't quite cut it when describing the career of Jim Shoulders.
Jim Shoulders has the most World Championship titles for a combination of events with 16. He also holds the record for consecutive bull riding titles, at 6 (1954-1959). He was a master at bull riding, bareback riding, and dishing out the inspiration to rising rodeo stars. Below is the text of a letter Jim wrote to aspiring rodeo fans years ago. Still holds true today.
"There are two things that check you when you've been in rodeo as long as I have ... and when you're just starting out, too. Your heart and your head.
Your heart because it's what drove you to get on the back of some wild bronc or bull in the first place or chance your roping and riding skills against the harshest competitor, the second hand on the clock.
Your head because it's what keeps you honest. No fame, no gold, no amount of money even, makes a true champion.
What keeps rodeo in the spotlight though are the good people and good companies that make up rodeo's proud sponsors. I've been involved in rodeo since 1943 before RCA, PRCA, NIRA, NHSRA and Little Britches. Long before anyone ever thought about having any kind of National Finals and let me tell you there were very few sponsors then. What rodeo is today, the opportunities and challenge it brings young hopefuls and even guys on up in their years like me, is all thanks to the rodeo family of athletes, announcers, sponsors and judges.
Stay gracious in what you do. For where you are now and the road that you took to get here. Stay strong in the face of defeat and close calls. Cling to the reason you got into rodeo in the first place. Never lose sight of the fans -- and your friends and your family and your sponsors -- in the light of victory. Let your head and your heart lead you. All good things come from there.
Good luck, ride and rope well."
Jim Shoulders
