Larry Sandvick

Modern-era Rodeo

Inducted 2018

Larry Sandvick was born to Thorris & Lynell Sandvick on May 15, 1966, the 5th of 6 children. He grew up on their ranch in the Little Missouri River Badlands, north of Killdeer, ND graduating from high school there in 1984. Larry then attended Casper Community College, graduating in 1987 with an associate degree in agriculture-business & construction technology.

Larry began competing in youth rodeos when he was 5 years old, later in amateur rodeos. He participated in every event except steer wrestling in high school thru college. He turned pro in 1989, specializing in bareback. He participated in 125 to 150 rodeos a year. He won numerous rodeos throughout the years, including Denver, Pendleton, Ellensburg, Calgary, Caldwell, Dallas and Cheyenne.

His breakthrough season came in 1992, when he qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo, finishing 4th in the world. Larry went on to compete at the NFR 11 more times. Larry never won a world championship, but very few rough stock riders make it to the world championships 12 times.

Larry married Lynn Galavotti and to that union three children were born. They raised cattle and bucking horses in Wyoming and Montana. Larry was a very devoted father. His gear bag often contained a diaper bag, as a child or two frequently accompanied him to rodeos.

Larry now lives in Kaycee, WY, where he works full time in his leather shop. He patented an innovative new design bareback rigging that benefits both horse and rider performance. He also designed and produces neck braces, as well as all things leather. Larry’s leather business, WILDMAN RIGGINS, is well known in the ranching and rodeo world for quality equipment.