RIDE 'EM COWBOY: FIVE DECADES IN THE RODEO RING

One of the world's top cowboys - who rode in Denver's National Western Stock Show and other major rodeos - is retiring after five decades in the ring, ProRodeo Sports News reports.

Gary Rempel played a critical role as a rodeo pickup rider, responsible for the safety of rodeo riders, horses and bulls performing in the dirt ring. 

Rempel - who Western Horse Review called "a cowboy’s cowboy" - wrapped up his tenure in Helena, Montana, in July. Among his many honors, 2009 Canadian Cowboy of the Year.

"It's a strange feeling. I got home and thought, 'Darn it, that was the last rodeo,'" he said. "Rodeo is all I've done."

Rempel suffered a few injuries in his career.

"In 2018, he was kicked by a bronc and suffered a compound fracture of his tibia at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer, Alberta," Sports Illustrated said. "Only 12 weeks later, he was back in the arena at the Denver Stock Show."

[Photo: Gary Rempel Performances]