Released in 1963 by Transogram, the Stoney Burke Rodeo Circuit Game was based on the ABC television series Stoney Burke, which aired from 1962 to 1963. The show starred a pre-Hawaii Five-O Jack Lord as the titular character, a determined professional rodeo cowboy competing for the Golden Buckle and the title of world champion saddle bronc rider.
The spin-and-move game challenged two to four players to step into the boots of Stoney Burke and travel the rodeo circuit, testing their skills in four demanding events. The winner was the Rodeo Champion who earns the most money by winning prizes in each competition.
GAMEPLAY
At the start of each game, players selected a pawn and placed it on the start space at the centre of the board. One player acted as the President of the Rodeo Association and gave $50 to all participants. The balance of the money remained in the bank to be paid out as prize money during the game.
Like other Transogram games from the era, Stoney Burke featured a colourfully illustrated board and a series of cardboard cutouts to enhance the playing experience.
Each turn, players navigated their way along a trail to one of four rodeo events. In New York, they rode a bucking bronco; in Arizona, they tackled bull riding; in Oregon, they lassoed a frightened calf; and in Wyoming, they faced off in a bout of steer wrestling.
After entering an event, player spun their way to a numbered chute and began their challenge. A manual timer tracked their progress and tested their ability to complete the event before time ran out. Success earned a cash prize, with the payout depending on how quickly the challenge was completed.
After all players had competed in all four events, the player with the most prize money was declared the winner.
IN THE BOX
A complete game included a game board, four plastic pawns (blue, yellow, red, and green), 1 black Chance marker, play money, four plastic stands, spinner, timer, 8 Entry Tickers (2 for each rodeo), six cardboard popouts (cowboy, lasso, bronc, bull, calf, and steer). An instruction insert was also included.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
As a vintage item, the Stoney Burke Rodeo Circuit Game is considered a collector’s piece—especially among fans of classic television memorabilia and board game enthusiasts. Its availability is limited, and when it does surface, it’s often in used condition, reflecting both its age and rarity.
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