ProRodeo Sports News - April 28, 2023

PRORODEO HISTORY

Twenty years after final world title, saddle bronc icon Dan Mortensen looks back and to the future High Standard Bart Breslow photo Saddle bronc rider Dan Mortensen acknowledges the Thomas & Mack Center crowd in Las Vegas after winning the 2003 PRCA Saddle Bronc Riding World Championship.

BY ALEX RILEY, Special to ProRodeo Sports News D an Mortensen’s experience at the National Finals Rodeo never got old. But each trip was certainly unique. Over a career that started in 1990 and lasted 19 years, the Billings, Mont., saddle bronc rider claimed six event world titles and another as the season’s All-Around World Champion in 16-NFR appearances. “That’s kind of what your goal always was (getting to NFR with a shot at a world title) – but each year was just different,” Mortensen said. “It didn’t get any less fun, but it was always a stressful situation coming to the NFR. You’re just kind of pleased or relieved at the end of it, or if a guy

comes up short, you’re just ready to get rolling again.” Fortunately for Mortensen, he walked away with the rodeo’s top prize more than almost anyone else. His six saddle bronc titles tie him with Casey Tibbs for the most in event history. His record-tying final championship came 20 years ago, as Mortensen snapped a five-year skid with his sixth and final crown.

ProRodeo Sports News 4/28/2023

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