Shad Mayfield dominated the 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo calf roping for the second consecutive year, securing a $20,000 payday with a 7.6 second run in the final round on February 8, 2025.
The 2024 All-Around World Champion is carrying his momentum into the 2025 ProRodeo season, already making history with a record-tying 7.2-second run during round one of bracket one at the FWSSR.
A Special Win with Family Ties
“This feels great,” Mayfield said. “Fort Worth is a pretty dang prestigious rodeo. My dad won it a long time ago, so this is special. Fort Worth is one of the most legendary rodeos there is, so it’s even more special to get a win back-to-back.”
Lollipop, the 2024 AQHA Horse of the Year, registered as Figure To Fly, played a crucial role in Mayfield’s win. The strong set of calves at Fort Worth proved to be ideal for the 14-year-old mare.
“We had a great run,” Mayfield said. “I knew my calf was going to be a really good one for me and Lollipop. That calf kicked a little bit in the semifinals, but I knew if I did my job and got a good go, we would have a good run. I got a really good start, and it all worked out.”
Eager to maintain his winning streak, Mayfield is already looking ahead to the next rodeo in Mississippi.
“Lollipop is amazing,” Mayfield said. “She’s not looking forward to going to Jackson, Mississippi, tomorrow. She’s like, ‘Dad, why are you dragging me to Mississippi?’ We have to keep the grind going. She feels amazing every time I back in the box on her. I just know we’re about to win, just because she loves it and is so dominant.”
Rodeoin’ Through the Pain
Last spring, Mayfield tore two labrums in his hips. Since then, he’s been battling through the pain, relying on stem cell treatment to keep him competitive.
“I rope better in pain,” Mayfield said. “It makes me try harder. When God tells me the time is right for surgery, I’ll do it. Until then, I’m just going to keep going. It’s kind of hard to stop when you’re still winning, but I know that it’ll come to a point where I’ll have to get myself fixed so I can last longer. That could be this year, it could be next year—who knows.”
A $20,000 win at the first major rodeo of the season positions Mayfield well in the top 15 standings, setting the stage for a successful year.
“Getting a win in Fort Worth helps when it comes to my health,” Mayfield said. “This way, I can really evaluate how I rodeo this summer, maybe even get one hip fixed. Like I said, it’s really all up to God right now. I’m going to keep going until He tells me the time is right.”
Championship Saturday: Battle of the World Champs
After winning every round he competed in at the FWSSR, Mayfield was ready for the competitive playing field Championship Saturday had to offer.
“Coming in, I was evaluating Riley Webb,” Mayfield laughed. “I looked at the calves coming up here, and Riley had my semifinals calf, which I thought was an amazing calf. I knew it was going to come down to either me or Riley. When he kind of jerked his calf down in the finals, that allowed me to have a little more time. I love roping against someone as dominant as Riley. I was looking forward to it all day. I love the competition; it makes the sport even more fun.”
Mayfield and Webb are no strangers to high-stakes competition, having battled it out for the 2024 Tie-Down Roping World Title in Las Vegas.
“Riley and I used to rodeo together,” Mayfield said. “We butted heads for a while, but we’re friends again. Riley rodeoed with me his rookie year and is like a little brother to me. We’ve always been friends, but when you get so competitive, it takes a toll on things.”
With yet another major win under his belt, Mayfield is proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with early in 2025 ProRodeo season.
