Bernis Johnson’s life story has been “Rodeo”. Bernis joined the RCA in 1947 and developed into a three-event contestant.
Some of his accomplishments are:
NATIONAL FINALS QUALIFICATIONS:
PRCA YEAR STANDINGS:
In the late ’60s, Bernis Johnson left the arena as a contestant, put together the B-J bucking stock, and became involved in the restoration of bringing the sport of Rodeo back to the Ft. Worth Stockyards.
In 1977, Johnson purchased Hoss Inman’s Flying I bucking stock and combined them with B-J’s to produce PRCA Rodeos.
For twenty years, the B-J brand has been on many outstanding bucking stock and are recognized for their awards at the Texas Circuit Finals and National Finals. Most recognized is B-J’s “Sippin Velvet”, 5 times Champion Bareback Horse of the Year, and 6 times NFR Top Bareback of NFR and Texas Circuit.
Other memorable B-J stock were: In Bareback; Lucky Seven, Determined, Barretta, Short Fuse, Super Star, Eldorado. Saddle Bronc; Chief Crazy Horse, Big Buck, Favorite Sin, Cherokee, Eureka River, Misfit. Bulls; Snoopy “Wild Fellin Velvet”, True Grit, Flying High, Supreme Velvet, Poco Toro, and Two Steppin Velvet.
During the past 50 years, Johnson has received Stock Awards and has been Event and All Around Champion at many PRCA Rodeos. Some of his most treasured awards are: 1948 Buck Steiner Buckle (1st Buckle), 1961 NFR Bull riding Champion Buckle, 1962 Spencer Primrose, Colorado Springs All Around Buckle, 1978 “Sippin Velvet” Horse of the Year Buckle.
Today, looking back over the years, Bernis Johnson might have changed some things, but the competing, owning good livestock, remembering all the friends he has made, the love and support of his family, he still would choose the life of a “Cowboy”.
