Jerald Smith, born on August 9, 1932, in Cuthand, Texas, began competing in rodeos at the young age of 14. After a severe injury at 21, he shifted away from competition but remained deeply involved in various capacities within the rodeo industry. In 1969, Jerald and his wife Joan acquired the Wing Rodeo Company from South Texas rancher Sloan Williams, marking the start of their venture into contracting rodeos across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma for both amateur and professional associations.
An innovator in the sport, the Wing Rodeo Company produced one of the early bull riding-only events in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in 1967 and supplied livestock for the Texas Prison Rodeo in Huntsville, Texas, for many years. The Smith family has also hosted the renowned Bucking Bull and Horse Sale for over 33 years, attracting buyers and sellers nationwide for its top-tier livestock.
Throughout its history, Wing Rodeo Company has garnered numerous awards, including 35 different Stock Producer awards from associations like the Cowboy Regional Rodeo Association, United Professional Rodeo Association, Arkansas Rodeo Association, and International Professional Rodeo Association. Notable animals from their stock include the bareback horse +7- Instant Blowout, saddle bronc horse #40-Strawberry Hill, and bucking bull #4-K-Bob, all of whom achieved significant recognition in their respective categories and were retired on the Smith family ranch in Bogata, Texas.
Today, the legacy of Wing Rodeo Co. continues with multiple generations of the Smith family actively involved in rodeo productions across various associations, maintaining their longstanding commitment to the rodeo community.
