Over the course of his rodeo career Kansas Cowboy John McBeth has been a world champion saddle bronc rider, a horseman, a teacher, a mentor, a businessman, a diplomat, a saddle maker, a pilot, a TV commentator, a rodeo judge and administrator. Above all he is a gifted story teller.
In Eight Seconds Of Grace author Thad Beery recounts McBeth’s career from its beginning, breaking colts with his father on the home place in Kansas to the saddle bronc world championship and cowboy hall of fame. The reader is treated to the sights and sounds that held sway in the champion’s mind in 33 stories of strife and character; stories of the road; stories of great broncs and great men and the humor and camaraderie that sustained them. Through interviews with multiple world champions, hall of fame cowboys, announcers, stock contractors, students and his fellow competitors, a picture is painted of the Kansas cowboy who seemingly could do no wrong. These are stories of John McBeth and about John McBeth. Stories that define not only who he is and was, but through him describe an entire generation of the truly All-American sport—Rodeo.
Endorsements
“[This book is] important because the stories of those days are hero stories. That’s what those guys were. And by telling these stories John is . . . sharing his memories with all of us.”
–Bob Tallman, legendary rodeo announcer, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Inductee.
“Thad Beery tells the story of John McBeth’s amazing rodeo career in a style that brings you into the world and mind of a world champion bronc rider! It’s worth reading whether or not you’re involved in rodeo to travel and experience the rodeo world of this hall of fame cowboy, John McBeth! “
–Roland Tirelli, PRCA Gold Card Member
Eight Seconds of Grace: The Stories of John McBeth
ISBN #9780991648207
- Softcover
- 258 Pages
- 40 Photos
- Includes a glossary of rodeo terms