From the back cover: Rumors and myths abound about this bronc-riding legend of a man, and as time goes by, the stories have evolved to the point where it can be hard to tell truth from fiction. Some say Pete Knight's last ride was on his greatest nemesis: a horse called Midnight. People have asserted this is the reason Doug Stephens created the duo's painting in 1955. Others are sure he was riding the Strawberry Roan, a horse featured in one of country singer Wilf Carter's many songs about the rodeo. While the memory of Pete were immortalized by both these artists, none of these rumors is true. His great-nephew, Darrell Knight, knows the truth and in this tribute to his famous uncle, he dispels the falsehoods and shares a never before seen glimpse into the life of 'The Cowboy King.' Pete Knight competed on three continents and was the North American Champion, World Champion, Dempsey Trophy winner, and three-time winner of the Prince of Wales Cup - the latter only being awarded to the rider who also won the Canadian Championship three times. He was more than a cowboy. He was a gentleman, friend, loving husband, and for a brief time, a father. Among peers, friends, family, and even to those who only met him passing, Pete was highly respected and well liked. His life and the rodeo were completely entwined from his first official recognition, July 11, 1924 until his death on May 23, 1937. He died as he lived - for the ride.

people who love the rodeo, nostalgia, history, or biographies. Writers who write westerns, or about the time period (1920s and 1930s) will also find it useful.

the details and the photos. The author spent a great deal of time researching his subject and the product of that diligence is a book that tells an amazing story. I also loved the stories, like the one where a horse named Too Bad, somersaulted with Pete still in the saddle. Miraculously, Pete was still in regulation stance, and managed a qualifying ride!

Darrell Knight is Pete's great-nephew, and Darrell is also a founding member of Canada's Rodeo Hall of Fame and Historical Association, founded in 1981. He grew up in the heart of rodeo country, learning to ride a bronc, singing the songs about his famous uncle, and listening to the stories of "the greatest bronc-rider that ever lived." His love of writing, of Canadian history, and passion for uncovering the "untold" stories continues, with two more books slated for publishing within the next few years.

The book is also available in hardcover.

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Created Nov 11, 2005 at 6:56am • Submit your own review...