LEGACY INDUCTEE
JORDAN MATCHED BRONC RIDE
(EST. 1970)
DISTRICT 2 - YEAR 2026
Rooted in the rugged spirit of Montana and carved by years of dedication, Jordan Matched Bronc Ride/Jordan Xtreme Broncs stands as a pillar in the world of professional bronc riding, blending athleticism, community, and cultural legacy into one unforgettable institution.
Born from a spirited night at the Cohagen Bar, in eastern Montana, in 1969; two cowboys, Judd Twitchell and Bud Kramer, challenged one another to prove who could ride the rankest bucking horse. That night ignited a tradition that would stretch across decades, capturing the grit, humor, and resilience of rural Montana life.
That ride took place in April 1970 in Cohagen, other riders were invited. Father’s Day was soon designated as its annual date—a memorable scheduling decision that also coincided with Judd’s first wedding anniversary. No one can remember who won that first event, leading one to believe it wasn’t either of these two gentlemen!
Bud supplied the horses and Judd invited the cowboys. The third year it was moved to Jordan, Montana. This evolved into the Jordan Matched Bronc Ride, one of the most cherished bronc riding events in the region.
Funded through the Twitchell Ranch Outfitting account, the event thrived under Judd and his wife, Eva’s, stewardship. In 1979 they enlisted the Jordan Jaycees to handle the financial management, and in 1999, the Garfield County Chamber of Commerce. Through each transition, Judd remained at the helm, inviting riders and arranging contractors, while Eva ensured every payout and record stayed true. Judd continued to ride well into his 40s at the match. Bud passed away in 1979.
A Legacy of Rodeo Excellence
Jordan Matched Bronc Ride became a coveted invitation-only event where amateur and professional riders came not just for the prize, but the spirit of the occasion. As the ride evolved, it expanded to include team roping, wild horse race, novice bronc riding, calf roping and even steer tripping—always aimed at preserving engagement and tradition.
In 2014, Jordan Matched Bronc Ride partnered with the World Class Bucking Horse Futurity, bringing in contractors and streamlining entries. In 2019, it had transformed into the Jordan Xtreme Broncs, in partnership with Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) stock contractors and contestants. In 2021, the event broke from the Garfield Chamber. In this new era, Jordan Xtreme Broncs was now rooted in national-level rodeo prestige while keeping its hometown soul intact.
Modern Impact & Community Pride
Held annually on Father’s Day in Jordan, a town of just 380, the Jordan Xtreme Broncs attracts world champions and PRCA elites, with an audience of over 1,100 and added prize money reaching $35,000. It is organized by a committed crew of ten and a handful of dedicated volunteers—testament to the event’s deep-rooted community.
Jordan Xtreme Broncs is not just a rodeo—it is a legacy of hearty laughter, high-spirited competition, lasting endurance and love for a small town’s living heritage. It honors the vision of the Twitchell family while elevating the sport of bronc riding to its highest level. For over five decades, this event has embodied the pulse of rural Montana.
Photo credit - John Riggs