Buster Ivory

A third-generation Irish ranch-rodeo family from Modoc County, California, Buster entered his first rodeo at MacArthur, California, in 1938 at age 15. He won the All-Around Cowboy by winning $58.00 for first in the bull riding and splitting first in the steer stopping. Buster joined the first professional rodeo association in 1938, the Cowboys Turtle Association, and has remained a member of the associations of professional rodeo for 53 years. Ivory incorporated the Rodeo Cowboys Association and served as Secretary/Treasurer for 4 years. He negotiated and signed the original TV contract for the RCA. He was selected in 1978 as Rodeo Man of the Year and was National Finals Livestock Superintendent for 26 years. Buster served as Bucking Chute Boss for 3 of those years as well as Rodeo Judge, Arena Director, and Technical Advisor for many rodeos. He produced International Rodeos around the world. Ivory is a two-time Hall of Famer, 1990 National Cowboy Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City, OK, 1991 Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Colorado Springs, CO, and was selected as the 1999 recipient of the prestigious Ben Johnson Award. Buster is a Gold Card Member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is truly a Rodeo Renaissance Man.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE:

• Stock Superintendent of “the World’s Richest Roping,” 16 years
• Co-managed and co-produced the Cody Nite Rodeo, with Jim Ivory, 4 years
• Manager San Francisco Cow Palace Rodeo, 3 years
• Involved as Producer, General Manager, Livestock Supervisor, and/or Arena Director for several International Rodeos, including “World’s Fair” Rodeos in Brussels, Belgium, and Montreal, Canada, and “Rodeo Far West” in 3 European countries. Marlboro Western Promotions in foreign countries and a special Western Horse attraction for the Queen of England.
• Judged the first National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Finals in 1949, San Francisco, California
• Technical Advisor for the Indian National Finals Rodeo
• Competed in Saddle Bronc, Bareback, Bull Riding, and Team Roping at major rodeos. Finishing many times in the top 6 Saddle Bronc Riding for World Champion honors. Buster retired from competition in 1968 and finished his 30-year career as a winner for first place in Saddle Bronc on Reg Kesler’s “Steel Grey.”

The names Buster and June Ivory are synonymous with rodeo.