Richard “Tuff” Hedeman

Bull Riding • Inducted 1997

Richard “Tuff” Hedeman truly lived up to his nickname. Born March 2, 1963, in El Paso, Texas, he rode his first calf at age 4. He roped calves, winning the first roping he entered, rode saddle broncs, and at 13, started riding bulls. He won the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association bull riding and all around titles in 1980 and the team roping and all-around in 1981. As a member of the Sul Ross State University rodeo team, he competed in saddle bronc riding, bull riding, team roping and steer wrestling. That team went on to win the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) men’s team championship. Hedeman joined the PRCA in 1983 and filled his permit with just one rodeo, competing in saddle bronc riding. He qualified for the 1984 NFR in just his second year as a professional. He went on to qualify 11 more times for the big show, winning three world titles in bull riding. He passed the $1 million career earnings mark in 1993. Hedeman could just as easily have been nicknamed “Try.” His fellow bull riders said his “can do” attitude is what made him such an outstanding competitor. Hedeman says he always knew his natural ability and balance would give him a career in the sport. “Nine times out of 10, when a guy gets bucked off, it’s because of a weak heart,” Hedeman said. “What I lack in talent, I’ll make up in effort.”

World Championships: 3

Bull Riding: 1986, 1989, 1991

National Finals Rodeo Average Champion

Bull Riding: 1989, 1987

RAM Circuit Finals Rodeo Champion

Bull Riding: 1987 (tie), 1989

RAM Circuit Year-End Champion

Texas Circuit:

Bull Riding: 1985, 1986

Olympic Medals

Silver – Bull Riding – 1988 Calgary Stampede Challenge Cup

Born: March 2, 1963 in El Paso, Texas

Joined the PRCA: 1983

NFR Qualifications: 12

California Rodeo Salinas / Salinas, CA
Bull Riding: 1986

Cheyenne Frontier Days / Cheyenne, WY
All-Around: 1988
Bull Riding: 1995, 1996

Clovis Rodeo / Clovis, CA
Bull Riding: 1992

Cody Stampede / Cody, WY
Bull Riding: 1996

Deadwood Days of ’76 Rodeo / Deadwood, SD
Bull Riding: 1986

Dodge City Roundup / Dodge City, KS
Bull Riding: 1990

Ellensburg Rodeo / Ellensburg, WA
Bull Riding: 1989

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo / Fort Worth, TX
Bull Riding: 1985

Grand National Stock Show & Rodeo / San Francisco, CA
Bull Riding: 1986

Greeley Stampede / Greeley, CO
Bull Riding: 1990, 1991, 1997

La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo / Tucson, AZ
Bull Riding: 1998

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo / Denver, CO
Bull Riding: 1986, 1991

Red Bluff Round-Up / Red Bluff, CA
Bull Riding: 1986, 1992

Reno Rodeo / Reno, NV
Bull Riding: 1988 (tie), 1991 (tie)

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo / San Antonio, TX
Bull Riding: 1989, 1992

West of the Pecos / Pecos, TX
Bull Riding: 1997

World’s Oldest Rodeo Prescott Frontier Days / Prescott, AZ
Bull Riding: 1993