Skoal Sippin’ Velvet, originally named Abdallah, was born on the Hoss Inmann, Flying I Ranch in Lamar, Colorado. Sired by Grand Admiral, a direct descendant of the famous Man o’ War, and the NFR bucking mare named Sweet Thing, he quickly became a standout bucking horse and a crowd favorite. In 1976, he was sold to Texas stock contractor Bernis Johnson, and his name was changed to Sippin’ Velvet in 1978 as part of the Black Velvet stock contractors’ award program.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sippin’ Velvet achieved remarkable honors. He was named bareback horse of the year five times, top bucking horse of the National Finals five times, voted second or third top horse at the National Finals four times, and named top horse in the Lone Star Circuit six times. In 1986, at seventeen, he became the first horse to be included in the Copenhagen Skoal stock contractors’ award program.
After eighteen appearances at the National Finals Rodeo, consistently carrying riders to the pay window and earning substantial checks for the B-J Rodeo Company, Bernis Johnson decided it was time for Skoal Sippin’ Velvet to retire. His retirement ceremony took place at the 1994 National Finals Rodeo. The cherished bronc passed away in January 1996 at the age of 26 and was laid to rest at the Johnson home.
