Indian Rodeo News presents:  Don Gay
article by: Gina Northover-Moore

One who is known by all is his Indian name given to Donnie by Philip Whiteman from the Crow tribe. 

 This is our first of several interviews and updates we plan to do with Donnie.  We wanted to give our readers a insight of the personal side of him.  Donnie did greatly emphasize how important it is to educate the fans of the history of rodeo, where it came from, made up of cowboys and Indians, just like the west.  Donnie explains things to the viewers and fans about rodeo, he makes it fun to watch.  He has always been a supporter to Indian cowboys and cowgirls. 

Don Gay

Do you run your own rodeo championship series still?   I am the general manager for the Frontier Rodeo, The Don Gay Bull riding tour, United Bucking bulls competition.  It's like the AAA baseball vs the major league. 

Today we hae good bull herds, so many bulls buck good to give you money to win. 

What pets do you own?

  I have 10 year old Beagle,  stray dog I found,  2 horses, peaches, 13 year, sorrel barrel racing 9 years.  Pasture full of cows.

The TV show Dallas, who is your favorite character?   Jr was the one you loved to hate,  I liked their Daddy, he reminds me of my daddy. 

What is some of your favorite music, or favorite country songs you like?   I don’t listen to a lot of country, Willie Nelson George Strait,  I was a rock n roller, Jimmie Hendrix, Led  Zeplin. 

Movies?   Red River, Jonhn Wayne,   Shawshank Redmemption.  Magnificant 7, Yule Brenner. 


What is your most all time favorite Bulls?  Tornado, and favorite bull rider  Jim Shoulders. 

Of all the Indian rodeo’s you have been to, which one do you enjoy the most?    The most eye opening, in 1985 I tore my eldbow up, I judged at the INFR in 1985. 



You were at the INFR, what was that like?     It’s an outstanding rodeo.   Show Stopper, there was a bareback rider just 17 years old.  Won first or second, if that kid keeps going, he's going to be a great champion. 

Are you available for bookings for other big Indian rodeos?   On a limited basis. 

What is your schedule for spring of 2013?  I am busy managing the Frontier Rodeo Company. 

Who of the Indian bull riders you know,  impress you the most?  Why?   There hasn’t been very many Indian bull riders that rodeo’d in the same circle as I did, Ronnie Robbin in 66 was the two time champion, Cling Branger, had Indian heritage.   

Howard Hunter, Indian cowboy, he was just a really good bronc rider, and he was out there by himself,  he did it all on his own.  He's the model of a true champion. 


Thank you Donnie for the interview and Indian Rodeo News looks forward to our next summer interview coming up in a couple months.