Rodeo Cowboy, Race Jockey, & Western Artist
Kelly Wahlen has been involved in rodeo and the western way of life from a young age. As early as his high school years he captured the rodeo spotlight when he won the Utah High School Rodeo Association (UHSRA) Championship titles in the Bareback and Bull Riding events.
He also captured the coveted UHSRA All-Around Champion title. Kelly then went on to win the 1975 National High School Rodeo Finals Bull Riding Championship.
Kelly continued his rodeo career in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) winning championships in Reno, Caldwell, Amarillo, Phoenix and many more. Kelly attitude and style was no matter what you draw, show up, get on and make the best ride possible.
As a member of the PRCA Wilderness Circuit Kelly won the Circuit Bull Riding Championships in 1977, 1978 and 1980, something that only a few cowboys have accomplished.
At the recent Wilderness Circuit Finales Re-Ride Reunion a group of past and present rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, honored Kelly for his continuing contributions in support of the Rodeo Cowboy Lifestyle and willingness to help others.
Outside of his rodeo career Kelly has always lived and worked a Cowboy lifestyle. He is artistic and has an amazing talent in rawhide braided and horsehair hitched headstalls and tack. Kelly’s work is heirloom worthy, absolutely gorgeous, and some of the best and most sought-after master pieces in the nation!
Kelly is more than a rodeo cowboy; he lives the true cowboy life everyday.