Five-time NFR qualifier Shad Mayfield got the start to his 2024 season every cowboy dreams about - winning Fort Worth and San Antonio.
Its even sweeter for Mayfield, who is far and away No. 1 in the World, because those are his favorite rodeos.
“The bracket style, I really like those and the pay a lot of money,” he said. “It was unreal to see (my lead in the World Standings). It’s truly a blessing to have what I have won now.”
In San Antonio, it didn’t matter what calf Mayfield drew, he was locked in. He turned in five times of 8 flat or faster and won four of the rounds he competed in, including the Semifinals (7.7) and Finals (7.2). He won more than $26,000.
“The key there was my horse, with the setup of calves and the setup of the rodeo in San Antone, he fit that setup so good and made it so easy,” Mayfield said. “On every run, I was right there on the barrier to make a good throw.”
Mayfield is unique in the sense that his two Texas Swing victories have come aboard two different horses. He rode Lollipop in Fort Worth and Platinum in San Antonio. He has also won about $10,000 on Harry. Not to mention, he is still awaiting the return of his former go-to mount Rampage.
“I’ve always had great horses and they’ve all been a blessing to me. That’s the thing about me, I am blessed because I have a horse I can ride each part of the year,” he said. “It’s awesome to have these type of horses.”
Mayfield has had great starts to the season before, including 2020, when he shot out to big lead and held on for the World Title. But in 2024, he is more confident than ever before thanks to the mentorship of eight-time World Champion Fred Whitfield.
After struggling the first three rounds at the NFR, something Mayfield admitted to plaguing him in the past, he had a long talk with Whitfield after Round 3.
They talked about two things - believing in yourself and keeping it simple.
Since that conversation, he has won two NFR rounds as well as almost $100,000 toward the 2024 season already.
