ProRodeo Sports News July 9, 2021

BAREBACK HORSE

PRCA ProRodeo file photo

Grated Coconut Standout bareback horse was one for the ages BY TRACY RENCK T he call from the ProRodeo Hall of Fame was expected for this amazing bareback horse. “Grated Coconut has been the foundation of our herd,” Calgary Stampede’s Keith on to his offspring.” story. “The guys knew anytime they drew Grated Coconut they had the op- portunity to make money. He was that special horse.” – KEITH MARRINGTON

His accolades tell the

Grated Coconut was named Bareback Horse of the Year a PRCA-record six times – in 2003-04 and 2006-09 – and was the top horse of the National Finals Rodeo in 2008. “We’re excited to say the

Marrington said. “So many of his offspring have been to the Canadian Finals and the NFR and they are still bucking. Even his granddaughters and grandsons have been continuing his legacy. He will live on for a long time to come.” Grated Coconut, 24, lives on the Calgary Stampede ranch in Hanna, Alberta. “He was special in and out of the arena,” Marrington said. “When he was in the arena, the guys knew anytime they drew Grated Coconut they had the opportunity to make money. He was that special horse. He was very consistent. He was athletic and honest. He would give the guys an opportunity to get out on him in a respectful style. He did his job, and if guys did their job, they certainly had the opportunity to make money. “Outside the arena, he was just a different horse, he was very gentle. The horse was halter broke. He has a great demeanor and has passed those genetics

least,” Marrington said. “For the Calgary Stampede, this is a great honor to have one of their animals recognized on the world stage. We retired him in 2010 because we needed to use his services to keep our program alive and (for) more years to come. “He’s a very unique horse and the face of the Calgary Stampede breeding program. We’re just delighted to have him recognized by such a great organization as the PRCA. That’s the ultimate recognition when you retire and you go into the Hall of Fame, and being recognized by your peers is pretty special.” Grated Coconut was inducted into the Canadian Professional Rodeo AssociationHall of Fame (2012) and the Ellensburg RodeoHall of Fame (2013).

ProRodeo Sports News 7/9/2021

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