involved with riding horses and was also a Golden Gloves boxer in Ft. Worth, Texas.
At the early age of 20, he joined the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPA) gaining the title of Rookie of the Year in Bareback Riding. During the 1970s and 1980 he dominated that event in the IPA, and was awarded the World Champion Title in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980 and 1983. During this run with the IPA rodeos, he also competed in the steer wrestling event placing him high in the All-Around standings for several years.
After a rodeo injury caused his competitive days to end, he was hired by the IPA as a Field Representative and was later promoted to Executive Director. During this time, the Finals of the IPA saw some location changes from Tulsa, Oklahoma to two different venues in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Continual improvements in the association came under Ronnie’s leadership. In 2010, the IPRA held its 40′ Finals at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds.
In 2004, Ronnie ended his tenure with the IPA to devote his time to his business interests of training horses, mentoring young people, and to his family. Ronnie has a daughter, Kimberly (Bryan) Sylvester and their 4 children, Kayla, Coleton, Zachary and Isaac, who reside in Allen, Texas. His son, Riley, is a real competitor on the high school rodeo circuit.
Since 2006, he and wife Kelley have held the positions of President and Secretary of National High School Rodeo Association–Texas, Region III, and are also involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes-Cowboy Chapter.
