Denny McLanahan

t was written that “Denny McLanahan is an outstanding example of what rodeo is all about.” McLanahan is the son of Billy & Cheta McLanahan. Both of his parents are past rodeo competitors and champions. Billy rode bulls and bareback and Cheta was an accomplished barrel racer, they both competed for over 20 years which established the family tradition of rodeo champions.

Denny began his rodeo career as many do in junior rodeo and the Tri State High School Rodeo. He entered both bareback and bull riding as a high school competitor. Along with rodeo he was also active in football, basketball, and track. After High School, Denny enrolled in Western Texas College in Snyder, where he was a member of the college rodeo team. Denny received a scholarship while attending WTC for three years (1987-1990). While at WTC, Denny qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo all three years. During his 1989-1990 college year, he won the South West Region Bareback Championship.

As his rodeo career took off, he became well known for his abilities. He progressed to the professional side of rodeo. Eventually he gave up on bull riding to fully concentrating on his real love, bareback riding. Denny McLanahan is an 8 time NFR qualifier and to show the pride his hometown Canadian, Texas has for him there is a sign at the Canadian Rodeo Arena indicating the dates of his qualification, 1992-1999.

Denny no longer rodeos due to injuries. He currently lives in Canadian, Texas with wife Holly and daughter Mady.