Rodeo Photos & Memorabilia
The photographs show Clarence LeBlanc practicing or competing in steer wrestling. Steer wrestling, also known as bulldogging, is a rodeo event in which a horse-mounted rider chases a steer, drops from the horse to the steer, then wrestles the steer to the ground by grabbing its horns and pulling it off-balance so that it falls to the ground. It is believed that the event originated in the 1890s and was started by Bill Pickett, a popular rodeo performer.
The competition bib, from the 1992 International Finals Rodeo (IFR) boasting the number 53, was worn by LeBlanc while he competed in the arena at the former Myriad Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City. It is unique for its material, being made of fabric, as today's competition bibs are usually made of paper. The IFR is an International Pro Rodeo Association (IPRA) post-season event, first held in 1971.
The bib with the number 1 is an example of a modern era paper bib. This was worn by Clarence LeBlanc while competing at the Denver Coliseum in 2006. The Martin Luther King, Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions honors the history of America's Black cowboy by recognizing Bill Pickett's legacy and influence on Black Western Heritage. The event takes place on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King.