Tìo Cowboy

Juan Salinas (1901-95) was the first notable professional hispanic rodeo participant and eventual inductee into the Rodeo Hall of Fame.

His story is told here by his nephew, who offers wonderful insight into the world of early south Texas ranching and calf roping. The writing is a little uneven at times, but the history of rodeo’s early days and the associated personalities are of added value and interest. The down-home life of Salinas himself is more captivating, however, and the personal tales as recorded by the old man are the most entertaining portions of the entire narrative.  —Chuck Lewis