Temporary Exhibit

  Hollywood is home to movie stars, Kansas City is home to the Chiefs, but did you know that Dighton is home to a famous rodeo trick rider in the 50s and 60s? Yes, Karen Atterberry Duncan became well known in the national rodeo circuit as a trick rider, performing amazing tricks on her talented, well-trained horses.

After attending the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO. with her parents and watching the horse trick riders, the desire to pursue this form of rodeo entertainment began. With the approval of her parents, Roy and Mary Atterberry, Karen took lessons from Leonard Stroud, who was a world champion trick rider and roper. Consequently, Karen began her youthful career at the age of 8.

From 1953 to 1965, Karen travelled extensively with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, performing throughout the United States and in Canada. Her trick riding performances were highly popular and admired by young and old alike. Karen even enjoyed meeting Dan Blocker, “Hoss,” and Michael Landon, “Little Joe,” of the TV series, Bonanza.

Currently, the museum is having a temporary exhibit displaying a unique and interesting assortment of memorabilia from Karen’s trick riding days. Included in this display are all the beautiful outfits that Karen’s mother personally made for her performances. If anyone hasn’t had the opportunity to see this amazing exhibit, it will be available to the public until the end of April. The museum appreciates Karen’s willingness to share her fantastic career as a rodeo trick rider.