Cody Snyder, a decorated Alberta rider, is the first Canadian to be inducted into the Bull Riding Hall of Fame.
The group made the announcement on Wednesday, with Snyder one of 11 inductees for 2023.
For Snyder, the news came from eight-time world bull champion Donny Gay.
“In the world of riding and rodeo, getting a call from him is like Wayne Gretzky calling you to join the Hockey Hall of Fame,” Snyder said Friday. in an interview on the Calgary Eye Opener.
“It’s a great honor.”
The Bull Riding Hall of Fame was established in 2012 to honor and celebrate legends in the sport. All members and alumni inductees nominate and vote for each nominee.
Although inductees came from the United States, Brazil and Australia, a Canadian had yet to make the list.
“Overall, I say our classes came into existence just in time as they should, and this was Cody Snyder’s year,” said Bill Putnam, co-founder of the Bull Riding Hall of Fame.
“We couldn’t be more honored or proud to have Cody this year.”
WATCH | The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum pays tribute to Cody Snyder:
Snyder began his rodeo career at just five years old in his hometown of Redcliff, Alta., northwest of Medicine Hat, riding a calf in a local competition. From there he moved on to juniors, and at age 12 he rode his first bull.
“I grew up around rodeo and ever since I was old enough to put a hat on my head and put on a pair of cowboy boots, I wanted to be a bull,” he said.
In 1983, at age 20, he became the first Canadian to be named the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Bull Rider Champion. He also still holds the record for the highest lap in Canadian rodeo history with 95 runs.
“I’ve never been scared, but you have respect for bulls,” he said. “I mean, they weigh between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds, and if they step on you or hit you in the wrong place, I mean anything can happen.”
LISTEN | Cody Snyder describes his most memorable race:
Calgary Eye Opener7:41Bull Riding Hall of Fame
A Calgary cowboy is the first Canadian to be named to the Bull Riding Hall of Fame. Cody Snyder joins us.
In 1993, Snyder retired after suffering a wrist injury. Instead of competing, he went into producing bull riding events through his company, Cody Snyder Bullbustin’ Inc.
These events continue today, raising over $2 million for local charities throughout the company’s history.
Snyder was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.
Inductees into the Bull Riding Hall of Fame will be celebrated on May 20 in Fort Worth, Texas.
“I had a few firsts in my career, but that just tops it all off,” Snyder said.
“Evil alcohol lover. Twitter junkie. Future teen idol. Reader. Food aficionado. Introvert. Coffee evangelist. Typical bacon enthusiast.”