Rich Skelton was born in Ft. Worth but grew up in Electra, Texas. He spent most of his time in the arena honing his skills in team roping. His dream was to make it to the NFR and win a world title. Mission accomplished: 8 times. He attended Vernon College and, in 1986, decided to join the PRCA, embarking on a rodeo career. He made his first NFR appearance in 1990. In 1997, he teamed up with Speed Williams, and together they broke, tied, and set new team roping records. In 2000, he competed in steer roping and finished fourth in the all-around race. He credits his success to his family, friends, loyal sponsors, and great horses.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Career Earnings: $2,993,188
World Championships: 8X (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
Qualified NFR: 22
NFR Average Champion: 2001
Olympic Medals: Silver in Team Roping – 2002 Olympic Command Performance
RAM Circuit Finals Rodeo Champion: 1997, 2001, 2003
RAM Circuit Year-End Champion: 1987, 1993, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2009
NFSR Qualifier: 1
AWARDS: PRCA/AQHA Heel Horse “Roany” 4 times
PRCA/AQHA Heel Horse “Chili Dog” 2 times
CHAMPIONSHIPS:
California Rodeo Salinas, Salinas, CA TR 1998
Cheyenne Frontier Days, Cheyenne, WY TR2003
Deadwood Days of ’76 Rodeo, Deadwood, SD 2007
Dodge City Roundup, Dodge City, KS All-Around, 2002 TR 1992
Ellensburg Rodeo, Ellensburg, WA SR 1996 TR 1990, 2003
Grand National Stock Show & Rodeo, San Francisco, CA TR 1990
National Western, Denver, CO TR 2003
Pendleton Round-Up, Pendleton, OR TR 1997 SR 2007
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, San Antonio, TX TR 1996, 2014
Personal Life: Married to Rhonda Smothers Skelton, daughter Rainey, born in 2004; she ropes and runs barrels.
We have roping schools, private lessons, and ranch consultations. For fun: Golf
