Bones, one of the most iconic bucking bulls in the history of professional bull riding, passed away peacefully at 21 years old on the North Carolina farm where he had enjoyed a comfortable and well-deserved retirement. Bones had retired at the height of his career in 2010 after winning his second championship, and he spent the next 14 years living a life of luxury alongside a herd of cows. His retirement marked the end of a remarkable career that saw him rise to legendary status in the sport.
Although Bushwacker is often celebrated as the greatest bucking bull of all time, many experts in the sport consider Bones to be the second-best, particularly because of his 2010 victory over Bushwacker, which earned him his second world title. Bones competed in 43 events in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit, allowing only five qualified rides and maintaining a remarkable buck-off percentage of 90.7%. Recognizing his bull’s extraordinary talent, owner Tom Teague made the decision to retire Bones at the age of seven, ensuring that he would go out at the top of his game.
Teague, a North Carolina businessman who played a significant role in the early years of PBR by helping to bring the sport to network television, had a special bond with Bones. He received some criticism for not entering Bones in every event, but Teague defended his decision, comparing it to a boxer not fighting every day. He emphasized the special care he gave to Bones, acknowledging the bull’s exceptional nature.
One of Bones’ most memorable moments came in February 2009 during a Built Ford Tough Series event at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. At the time, Bones was undefeated with a 13-0 record, and some doubted that any cowboy could ride him. However, fellow North Carolinian J.B. Mauney proved them wrong, riding Bones to a score of 93.50 points, the highest of the bull’s career.
In 2014, Bones received the sport’s highest honor for an animal athlete, the PBR Brand of Honor, becoming only the fourth bull to earn this distinction. Bones’ name was a fitting description of his early appearance; as a calf, he was so thin that Teague recalled him being described as a “bag of bones.” Despite his humble beginnings, Bones became the first World Champion bull that Teague fully owned and raised, cementing his legacy in the world of professional bull riding.
