All Ricky Bolin ever wanted to be was a cowboy. Growing up in Mesquite, Texas made that easy. Entering the weekly rodeo, he was willing to get on anything that bucked, earning his PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association) card by age 15…….never looking back.
A 4-time NFR qualifier, his first appearance was at 19. “I only made the whistle on 3 bulls that week winning a whopping $900. I was nervous but I was hooked!”. Also an 11-time Texas Circuit Finals qualifier, he won the bull riding championship in 1988.
Affectionately called “Stick” in those days, Ricky considers himself very lucky to be one of the first cowboys to receive a major sponsorship which was from Coors Beer Distributing. Many remember seeing Ricky and Bobby Del Vecchio, in the brightly painted “Coors Van” traveling down the rodeo trail.
Since hanging up his bull rope in 1989, Ricky has worked for HatCo. Inc., makers of Stetson, Resistol and Charlie-One-Horse Hats. He has twice been named Salesman of the Year, also winning the prestigious Western Image Award, and Cavenders Boot City Salesman of the Year Award. Currently, Ricky is the National Sales Manager for HatCo.
Although some mornings those old injuries remind him he was “indeed” a bull rider for 20 years, Ricky will tell you how lucky he was for the opportunity to make a living doing something he loved, while making lasting friendships. Lucky still, to have such a wonderful family and friends, it reminds him of his hero, the late great Jim Shoulders who said, “I’d rather have a bucket of luck, than all the ability in the world.”
Ricky lives in Sunnyvale, Texas with his wife of 33 years, Melanie. They have two beautiful daughters, Paige and Blair. His hobbies are team roping, playing golf and hunting.
“I feel very honored and humbled to be inducted into this prestigious TRCHF. Thank you, board, for this honor, and thank you to my family and friends for all the memories and good times. Happy Trails!”
