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James Sutton, Sr., Memorial Bronze
 The award of the sculpture by Spearfish artist, Tony Chytka, is given to the top Saddle Bronc rider at the Black
Hills Stock Show and Rodeo. The award can only be won
one time and to win you must have either been born or live in the state of
SD.
The 14 inch sculpture is a study
of a larger piece commissioned by James Sutton, Jr. The sculpture and the
award were developed to honor James Sutton, Sr., who died in January, 1991,
and the many outstanding
saddle bronc riders South Dakota has and continues to produce.
The larger piece, a half
life-sized bronze statue, was unveiled at the 1992 Stock Show. The
sculpture depicts long-time friend of James Sutton, Sr., and former world
champion saddle bronc horse rider John McBeth riding "Half Velvet," a horse
that was an NFR competitor numerous times. The horse bucked under numerous
names: Indian Sign, Coors Lite, Half Velvet and then One-Eyed Skoal. He
was considered a real money horse because he always bucked the way cowboys
like 'em.
The first recipients were the
three top SD riders in 1991 - three brothers from Ree Heights, SD. Dan,
Robert, and Billy Etbauer received the award for their performance in 1991
and for their overall contributions to the sport of rodeo.
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Click photos to view enlargements.
The
2006 and 2008 winner was J.J. Elshere of Philip, SD.
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| The 2005 recipient was
Jake Costello of Newell, SD. |
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The
2003 winner was Jeffery Willert of Belvidere, SD.
photo courtesy of
prorodeo.com
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July 18, 2002: Jim Sutton (left), and Steve Sutton (right),
present the James Sutton, Sr., Memorial Bronze to 2002 recipient,
Jesse Bail (center).
-photo
courtesy of Julie Sutton |
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