Torn labrums in both hips — a constant reminder of a potentially performance-hindering injury. The 2024 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year, sidelined during the most pivotal stretch of the season. The mental and physical strain of professional rodeo lingering as the miles add up.
For many, those reasons would be enough to write off the 2025 season. But not for Shad Mayfield.
“Try harder.”
Champions are made through adversity. For reigning All-Around World Champion Shad “Money” Mayfield, 2025 has been a season of highs, lows and tremendous trials.
He won the Calgary Stampede — 40 years after his father took home the same title. He returned to his main mount, Lollipop, but also found success aboard his second-string mare, Tootsie Pop. Along the way, he has pocketed $237,482 in PRCA earnings so far this season.
“I try not to make any excuses,” Mayfield said. “I just tell myself to try harder.”
That mindset carried him to a pivotal victory at the 101st Caldwell Night Rodeo, keeping him in tight contention for a second tie-down roping gold buckle.
The Caldwell win was special not only because of its timing and earnings, but because it marked Mayfield’s first major victory back aboard Lollipop, who had been sidelined with an injury earlier in Reno.
“It meant a lot to me to get the win in Caldwell,” said the Clovis, New Mexico, native. “I haven’t been going as hard recently with the hip injuries. Caldwell was one of my first rodeos back with Lollipop, so to get that win, in the rain, was pretty special.”
In tie-down roping, a reliable equine partner is essential, and Mayfield knows his success is built on theirs.
“It’s so special to be back on Lollipop,” he said. “After she got hurt, I had to build confidence with my new mare, Tootsie Pop. It came quick — we won a lot together this summer. But I have so much confidence on Lollipop. To have her back and win on her means everything.”
All athletes understand that injuries are often the price you pay to pursue your passions — not just physically, but mentally. It’s tenacity that carries them through to recovery and success.
“It’s hard, dealing with everything with my hips,” Mayfield admitted. “It was my decision to put off surgery and keep going this year. I try not to make excuses. I remind myself I’m doing this for a reason.”
That perseverance has also brought growth.
“Every season gets better,” he said. “Looking back to my rookie year, I feel like I mature every year. I’ve learned I don’t have to win every time. I just have to focus on making the best run I can with the calf I draw and getting a check.”
With the Oct. 1 regular-season deadline approaching, Mayfield said the pressure is real.
“Every win matters. Every check matters,” he said. “It’s crunch time, it’s the fourth quarter. When you’re roping against greats like Riley [Webb, the current world leader and reigning world champion], you can’t back off. I treat every run like I’m 15th in the world. There are still a lot of great rodeos left and anything can happen.”
The 2025 PRCA season has also been historic for committees and fans, with record purses, packed stands and growing visibility for the sport.
“Rodeo right now is at the peak of what we’ve been working toward for a long time,” Mayfield said. “It’s great to see fans learning who we are, the work we do and why we do it. The whole western world has grown so much. I’m proud to be part of it, and I look forward to what’s ahead.”
With less than a month left in the regular season, it’s crunch time for athletes like Mayfield, who are facing challenges head-on and chasing the chance to make history in a revolutionary chapter of rodeo’s record books.