Stock Show Insider: It’s in the DNA

Kelly Riley holds a framed front page of the Fort Worth Press newspaper from early 1949. The photo on the top left hand corner is of Riley at several weeks old when he attended the ’49 Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo in a basket that was carried by his mother, Mitzi.

 

Kelly Riley grew up in a rodeo royal family.

His grandmother is the late Tad Lucas who was a world renowned bronc rider in the 1920s, an era when women’s roughstock riding was a popular sport. She also was a high-profile trick rider who performed at numerous high profile venues such as London’s Wembley Stadium.

His father is Lanham Riley who finished second in the Rodeo Cowboys Association’s world tie-down roping title race in 1955. He also was notable professional horse trainer.

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His mother is Mitzi Lucas Riley of Aledo who recently turned 89. She was a dazzling trick rider.

“My grandparents and parents were so connected for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo,” Kelly Riley said. “It was the hometown of my mom. My dad did real well here in the calf roping (event) and my mother trick rode here. It’s just part of my being. I’m just grateful to have that legacy.”

Riley, 68, said he has great memories of attending the Fort Worth Stock Show throughout his life.

“The Stock Show always has been part of my DNA,” Riley said. “I look forward to it every year and I have a lot of great memories of my dad being here and competing and showing horses and mom trick riding here.”

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Riley retired from Justin Brands a year ago. He served as the manager of Tony Lama event marketing. His wife, Pat, currently serves as executive director of the Fort Worth-based National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.