The Cowboy Ike Rude

“The story of Ike Rude, told by his talented daughter, Sammie, traces the roots of rodeo, ‘America’s Own Sport,’ from the perspective of one very fascinating, and very real character. This book provides insight to the psyche of the man or woman who will embrace a lifestyle of constant danger, uncompromising competition and daily uncertainty of circumstance in order to fulfill a sense of self, simply confident in their own physical and mental capacities to create their personal concept of success. Ike Rude was unconventional, but certainly not ignorant.”—Chuck Schroeder, western artist and founding CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

“The Cowboy Ike Rude: Riding Into The Wind is a very informative and interesting read. In this biography of her father, Sammie Rude Compton has captured the life and accomplishments of her iconic ranch and rodeo cowboy father Ike. She brings to life the time period and the surroundings that formed Ike into a great cowboy and horseman. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learning more about Ike and cowboy life.”—Kelly Riley President, Rodeo Historical Society

“What a great read about a legendary cowboy’s incredible life. You’ll follow the tracks Ike made while working on the Matador ranch as a teenager, tending to wounded horses on the front lines of World War I, and swimming his horse across the swollen Red River while cowboying for the famous JA. Then riding the rails while following the early day rodeo circuit, and sleeping in tents on the rodeo grounds. All the way up to traveling in modern vehicles pulling factory made horse trailers, and roping at Cheyenne at the age of 77, while winning 3 worlds championships along the way. What an amazing ride the cowboy Ike Rude had albeit into the wind.”—Jimbo Snively, co-host of “The Cowboys of the Osage” podcast and rodeo historian for the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum