Gary Leffew Teaching the Young Guns of Professional Bull Riders (PBR)

Rodeo Celebrities

by
Jodi Erpelding
11/11/2018

Did you ever think that maybe it’s not just by chance when you stumbled onto something or someone way bigger than you could ever even imagined?
Me either – well until I watch Gary Leffew from a distance sitting on the arena fence at the Youth Bull Riding World Finals videoing the riders.

Gary Leffew spent the week in Abilene with his mini HotMan team but made himself available to any rider who wanted to talk about what went right or what went wrong during their ride.

At 74 years old his passion for the sport of bull riding is still undeniable.

“There will always be a changing of the guards – the future of bull riding is right here!” Gary Leffew said.

I used to think he “arrived” in 1970 when he won the National Finals Rodeo but I’m pretty sure that’s when he stumbled onto his purpose and the impact he would have in the sport of bull riding was just getting started.

This isn’t the “great” debate on who’s the best bull riding coach – every rider has the responsibility of finding the style of teaching that works best for them but, there’s no denying the number of Champions that have sprouted out of the Hotman tree.

Forty-eight years after winning his world title he is still chasing white lines all over the country putting on bull riding schools- makes you wonder if he’s looking for his next protege or if he really just wants to see a champion in every Young Gun he meets.

Gary Leffew will be inducted into the Ring of Honor at the 25th PBR Unleash the Beast World Finals Nov 7-11 in Las Vegas for his commitment to the past, present, and future of the sport of bull riding.

If his legacy teaches us anything it’s that there is not one finish line when driven by purpose.
Congratulations Gary Leffew the impact you have made in the Professional Sport of Bull Riding will be felt for generations to come!

Last Updated on 03/12/2025 by Jodi Erpelding

About the Author:

Jodi Erpelding

Biography:

I grew up on a Midwest farm with dirt under my fingernails and the sound of wind rustling through cornfields. My childhood was all about 4H – raising pigs and horses, learning to bake and sew, and discovering the magic of transforming a garden into jars of summer sunshine. Those years taught me the value of hard work, the thrill of seeing a project through to the end, and the simple joy of creating something beautiful. A country girl with a need for speed and a thirst for adventure. Maybe that's why I love the feeling of wind in my hair – whether I'm cruising down a dusty road on my Harley or tackling a mountain trail on my trusty mountain bike. Some of my earliest memories of rodeo are watching my father compete at small local events. That's also where my love for country music comes in – long car rides listening to 8 tracks. The lyrics and melodies always spoke to my soul. These days, you'll find me cheering on the cowboys and cowgirls at rodeos, two-stepping to my favorite bands, belting out a country tune at a concert or sharing stories and laughter with friends around a bonfire. When I'm not soaking up the country life and getting my boots dirty, I'm a nurse, caring for folks in my community. Follow along for more stories from the heart of rodeo and country life!