Gold Buckle Dreams: The Life & Times of Chris LeDoux

The book is written extremely well on the life of the famous cowboy Ted Ledoux!!!

This is by far the finest rodeo related true story I've ever read. The writing is clear, concise, and to the point. Equally important, Chris LeDoux and the author pull no punches when it comes to saying it like it is. Triumph? Sure, but they included a few embarrassing parts, too, the times when Chris realized his ignorance was costing him during his "learning curve" early years in the sport. Example: Spend the time and money to fly all the way to California from a rodeo in Florida, only to find out the hard way that the bronc he'd drawn in the Golden State was a runaway waste of an entry fee? No problem; the reader gets to learn about that, including the part about the veteran cowboy who laughed at Chris's foolishness before he even got on the plane.Such things are important for a biography to contain real red meat...and there is plenty of red meat between the covers of this book..Those who have never paid the high price required to chase the gold buckle are sometimes stunned to realize just what it does take to become a World Champion in any rough stock rodeo event. During my contesting years (which predate Chris), it was not uncommon for the elite "wolves" of the sport to compete in more than 200 rodeos and cover more than 200,000 miles (in the air and over the highways) in a single calendar year. Gold Buckle Dreams does not identify the effort in those specific terms, but it's clear to any reader that only those who survive the crucible become the best in the business. As Chris makes clear, it's also about rodeoing "...smarter, not harder". Add to that the fact that bareback bronc riding is the most "jolting" event of all, and it's not something many of us are built to handle, either physically or psychologically.Throw in the love of his life, the endless struggle to make a living both during and after his active rodeo years until the first Garth Brooks single mentioned "...an old tape by Chris Ledoux" and made all country music lovers aware of the musician we in rodeo already appreciated. Mix well with Chris's later health struggles, stir in plenty of humor and grace, and...yeah. This book definitely deserves a five star rating. I'd give it ten stars if they were available.Most of all, if you're a reader who knows absolutely nothing about rodeo but would like to learn a bit, Gold Buckle Dreams is the one to read. You'll learn plenty...and if your heart is not touched by the end of the tale, you're not human.

This is a great read you see what an amazing life Chris Ledoux had and how much tougher and independent people were in the 1960’s and 1970’s

If your a chris fan. Must read. The book hands down put you there with him. By far the best read.

I totally loved this book about Chris LeDoux. It told of how he started in the rodeo scene. It tells of the life and times of this amazing man. I recommend this to anyone who loves to read about rodeos.. Buy it you will love it!!!!!!

I grew up listening to his music, long before Garth brought him to the mainstream. Loved reading the stories behind the songs.

Great Book, RIP Chris

Great book really enjoyed reading this book

Glad iyou had book!

If you are fan of Chris LeDoux's music, or watched him ride in the many rodeos over the years you will enjoy reading the story of his life. He truly was an inspired individual.