Happy 54th birthday to the only eight-time world champion heeler ever, Rich Skelton! In the legendary “To Get Rich You Gotta Have Speed” era, Speed Williams and Rich were unstoppable, and won a record eight-straight gold buckles from 1997-2004.
All told, “Roany” roped at 22 Wrangler National Finals Rodeos—the first with Tee Woolman in 1990 and the last with Nick Sartain in 2015. Rich also qualified for the 2007 National Finals Steer Roping.
[SHOP: Rich Skelton’s Roping Basics]
For his kids: Classic Jr. MoneyMaker Kid Rope
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Known for his stellar horsepower over the course of his career, Rich’s heeling herd has included four-time Heel Horse of the Year Roany and two-time champ Chili Dog.
Speed and Rich won the BFI three times, in 1998, 2001 and 2002. They were inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame together in 2018.
Rich, wife Rhonda and daughter Rainey make their home in Llano, Texas. Rich will heel for fellow living legend and seven-time World Champ Jake Barnes at the BFI this Sunday at the Lazy E.
