The rodeo was Walt Alsbaughs life for more than 60 years. He won the tie-down roping title in Monte Vista, Colo., when he was 13, and again 22 years later. During those years he competed in every event except bareback riding. and was one of the first men to ride bucking horses Midnight and Five Minutes to Midnight. He was the first bull rider to use a braided handhold in his bull rope.

Walt Alsbaugh Rodeo began with the purchase of three professional stock contracting companies and produced his first rodeo in 1953. Albaugh, born Nov. 15, 1918, raised 75 percent of his bucking stock. His bucking horses and bulls were selected for the National Finals Rodeo every year but one since the first NFR in 1959. He was the first contractor for the 101 Ranch Rodeos, which he produced until 1990. Walt also provided stock for a number of Western county fairs, high school, college, and all-Indian rodeos. He was the Turquoise Circuit Stock Contractor of the Year three times.