Entry No. 17 — the Helena file — filed under: outdoor

Ryder Horses Metal Sculptures & the Conoco Rodeo Bull

Helena welder Bill Ryder builds life-size horses, a driftwood-and-metal elk, and a rideable rodeo bull out of scrap steel, tire and bicycle chains, old fixtures, and rescued sewing machines. The eight-foot bull parked outside the Highway 12 East Conoco has eyes that light up golden-red after dark, and locals have genuinely tried to ride it. More of his stainless-steel horses stand at the Myrna Loy Center, and one at Valley Veterinary Hospital on Montana Avenue is a known landmark.

The move: Make a self-guided scavenger hunt of Ryder's horses around town, ending at the Conoco bull after dark to catch its glowing red eyes.

• 📍 Helena
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Rodeo bull at Conoco, 3122 E US-12, Helena, MT 59601 (more horses scattered across town lawns)

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24