Leonard Stroud - "The Undisputed Champion Trick Rider Throughout The Sport Of Rodeo" Between 1915-1925

UNKNOWN

Publication: Real Photograph Post Cards (RPPC), n d (ca 1920), N P

Six Real Photograph Post Cards (RPPC) each measuring 3 1/2" x 5 1/2," housed in a transmittal envelope that has a vignette of Leonard Stroud and a Longhorn steer head. The RPPC's are labeled "Leonard Stroud Going Under His Horse, While At Full Speed," "Mayme Stroud Trick Riding," "Leonard Stroud Skippin The Loop (Double Pay)," "Leonard Stroud Jumping Black Diamond Over Two Horses," "Leonard and Mayme Stroud, Ripino, Black Diamond and Squirell," and Mayme Stroud Trick Riding." Good contrast to the photographs in very good condition.

Leonard Stroud was born in Monkstown, Texas on December 1, 1893. Leonard competed in saddle and bareback riding, steer roping, bulldogging, trick riding, and trick roping. He was most well-known for his trick riding and trick roping skills. From 1915-1925, Leonard Stroud “was the undisputed champion trick rider throughout the sport of rodeo.” Leonard Stroud was the first trick rider to go underneath the belly of a galloping horse and this trick is now called “the Stroud.” He also invented the Stroud Stand Out – a dangerous and extremely difficult trick riding movement where you stand on the side of a galloping horse.

Leonard Stroud married Mary F “Mayme” Saunders on September 11, 1916. Mayme was an expert horsewoman herself who competed in trick riding as well. Leonard and Mayme lived in Manzanola, Colorado, a town located in Otero County. They moved here around 1920 and lived there for the next several decades. Both Leonard and Mayme were able to jump a horse over an automobile. In addition to competing in many rodeos Leonard worked with the Ringling Brothers Circus. He died in 1961 in Denver Colorad.