Baldy

Livestock • Inducted 1979

Rodeo’s most talked-about tie-down roping horse of the 1940s was a streak-faced, badly scarred sorrel named Baldy. He was directly responsible for four world championships. Clyde Burk of Comanche, Okla., won the world tie-down roping title astride Baldy in 1942 and 1944. After a fatal accident in 1945, Clyde’s widow sold Baldy to Troy Fort of Lovington, N.M. Fort captured the world championship in 1947 and 1949. Shortly thereafter Baldy developed a heart condition and was retired. Three-time world champion steer roper Ike Rude trained Baldy. However, early in Baldy’s rodeo career, his trailer caught fire and his left foreleg was severely burned. Veterinarians were amazed the resulting scar tissue left no apparent stiffness.