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Pete Fredericks on Sorrel Top, San Antonio, 1962. [Photo: submitted]
Since its inception, the NDCHF / Center of Western Heritage & Cultures has sought to honor the contributions of individuals who, by their exemplary lifestyle and contributions to ranching and rodeo, have left an indelible mark on North Dakota’s history. In 1999 (the NDCHF’s 2nd annual induction), Pete Fredericks became the first of many North Dakota Native riders inducted to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Pete Fredericks’ rodeo career began early in life. In 1953, he won the National High School Rodeo State Championship in bareback riding and in 1955 was the National High School Rodeo State Champion saddle bronc rider and steer wrestler. The next year Pete earned the all-around champion title and was a North Dakota high school champion in three events – bareback, saddle bronc riding, and steer wrestling.
Pete gave up a scholarship to New Mexico State College to attend Dickinson State Teachers College where he helped organize the first rodeo team in 1958 – the beginning of intercollegiate rodeo in North Dakota.
In 1959, Pete rode at Madison Square Garden, where he placed in bareback riding. He was also named the National Intercollegiate bareback and all-around champion that year. He was the bareback champion at San Antonio n in 1961 and saddle bronc champion in 1962.
Pete went to the National Finals Rodeo four times. He was runner-up to Jack Bushbaum in 1961, riding all 10 of his horses and finishing as the #4 bareback rider in the world. Pete’s total winnings topped $16,500, good enough to rank him 15th in the world all-around competition.
Even after his days of competition Pete remained important to the sport of rodeo and helping it grow. He wrote the original concept for the National All Indian Rodeo, which was approved by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. As a Gold Card Member of the PRCA, Pete stayed active in rodeo and was always willing to help people, young and old, who were interested in the sport. A dedicated advocate, it’s been said that Pete has not missed the Home On The Range Champions Ride since its inauguration 67 years ago.
Pete served as vice-president of the National Indian Rodeo Association and was a member of the Indian National Finals Rodeo Commission. He was co-recipient of the Indian Rodeo Man-of-the-Year Award in 1976.
Pete owns a ranch north of Halliday which he started in 1956 with a cow-calf operation that grew to 250 head. He also raised saddle horses and spent much of his time in the saddle as a true cowboy. He is soft-spoken, a good businessman, and even a movie star – appearing with his son in “Dances with Wolves.”
Often, when members and guests of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame take a stab at naming the members of the North Dakota Six Pack, they’ll add Pete. When they learn that Pete was not officially noted among the six, they nearly always reply, “Well, he should have been.”
Learn more about Pete Fredericks and the many other Native Riders recognized at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Visit us in Medora or online at northdakotacowboy.org.
