[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 197 (Tuesday, December 12, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S18447-S18448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING DAN MORTEN- SEN ON WINNING THE WORLD TITLE IN SADDLE 
                              BRONC RIDING

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to salute a young man 
from my State of Montana. This young man, just last week, won his third 
consecutive world title in saddle bronc riding at the National Finals 
Rodeo in Las Vegas, NV. Dan Mortensen, I tip my Stetson to you and your 
dedication.
  Dan Mortensen will be 27 years old in 3 days and has accomplished a 
rare feat in his speciality event saddle bronc riding. He is a classic 
bronc rider, as is apparent by his three consecutive world titles. 
Saddle bronc riding is considered the classic event in the sport of 
rodeo. If you have never had the opportunity, I would suggest that you 
all take the time to see this event. A good saddle bronc ride is like 
watching a ballet to a cowboy, as it is a fluid movement between man 
and beast. In this event, the contestant must stay on a bucking horse 
for 8 seconds using only the timing of their movement and a bronc rein 
to keep them in the saddle. The classic style of Dan shows the grace 
and beauty involved in the sport of rodeo.
  The honors that Dan has to his credit are numerous and speak volumes 
about his dedication to the true American sport of rodeo. Dan won the 
regular season title for the Montana High School Rodeo Association in 
saddle bronc riding. In 1990 Dan was awarded the title of Saddle Bronc 
Rookie of the Year. Four years later, Dan won his first world title in 
his speciality event. 

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It was during the finals that year that Dan won not only the average in 
the saddle bronc event, but set a record in the average. The average, 
is the total score of 10 rounds of riding wild and wooly bucking 
horses. Truly a world champion accomplishment.
  Dan and his wife, Kay, live in the beautiful Gallatin Valley in 
Manhattan, MT. Residing in this area does take its toll, since it is 
not the easiest place to make flight arrangements out to the numerous 
rodeos necessary to win a championship. However, Dan continues to call 
this home.
   Mr. President, I join with the citizens of the State of Montana, and 
with all that hold our tradition of rodeo dear, in saluting this young 
man. I congratulate him for his dedication to the great Western 
tradition and sport of rodeo.

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