A perfect ride may be elusive, but a perfect career may be the correct description for the 20 plus years Billy Atbauer entertained and thrilled rodeo fans all across the country. As for the perfect ride, he strived for it every time he nodded his head. His impact on saddle-broad riding in Pro-Rodio will echo for generations, five world championships, the first in 1992, and the final in 2004 at the age of 41, a record 21 straight Wrangler NFR rodeo appearances, an amazing 51 go-around wins at the Wrangler NFR, and more than $3 million in career earnings. Billy is among a very rare club of cowboys to reach the $3 million plateau, but what separates him even more is the fact that he earned nearly every penny in just a single rough stock event. A traditional member of what he called the band of brothers, traveling with older brother Robert, who eventually won two world titles, younger brother Dan qualified for 10 trips to the Wrangler NFR, and friend Craig Latham, a nine-time NFR qualifier himself. They started by fooling their winnings just to help each other survive financially. The offer won for all model they operated under, initially, was the foundation for everyone's success. His go-for-bro writing style made him a favorite among fans and garnered unparalleled respect from his fears, reflected by the multitude of top contemporary Bronckwriters who list him as their rodeo idol, his unrelenting passion for matching his skills against great bucking horses, and a physical toughness allowed him to compete at the highest level for a quarter of a century. As a result, many of those who idolized have found themselves standing next to him on the deck of the Wrangler NFR bucking shoots, and even in the twilight of his career, he was a more than formidable rival. As for his new status in the Hall of Fame, Billy remains very humble and says, and it's all said and done, the real blessing is all the friends and fans you have met along the way. Billy Ed Bauer now takes his rightful place in the pro-rodeo Hall of Fame.