Posted by By Lillian Landreth
Shad “Money” Mayfield continues to tally up wins with his early-season hot streak. The tie-down roper from Clovis, New Mexico is about to break into earnings in the triple digits. His finals and round wins in San Antonio and Fort Worth, consistent success in Denver in January, and numerous paychecks in the fall of 2023 has the tie-down roper galloping into spring rodeos with $95,870. He leads the field by more than $53,000. The 23-year-old is ahead of two more young and talented ropers in the standings. John Douch, 26, and 2023 PRCA World Tie-Down Roping Champion Riley Webb, 20.
Shad and Riley are both among the 10 tie-down ropers backing into the box at The American 2024 this weekend at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. An invitee through his top 5 finish in 2023, Shad isn’t eligible for the million dollar bonus this time. But he still has a shot at winning his event and $100,000. The Crown Jewel of Rodeo treated him like royalty in 2020, when he split the $1 million with saddle bronc rider Wyatt Casper. Shad says the win changed his life forever, giving him the opportunity to buy his own home and put a talented string of horses in his trailer.
Surprisingly, Shad thought he might sit out most of the 2024 season. Behind all those paychecks are ice baths, special workouts, and careful choices. He’s competing while dealing with a rare structural issue in his hips and femurs that can be remedied with surgery, making his event more challenging—and painful. But after winning Fort Worth and consulting with his surgeon, Shad plans to postpone surgery and see the season through to the WNFR. And the chance at his second world title.
About the Author
Lillian Landreth is a freelance writer and editor. She particularly enjoys writing about rodeo and the extraordinary people and animals who make the lifestyle fascinating. The author of more than 1,000 stories, her writing has appeared in the Rodeo News; The Ketchpen, published by the Rodeo Historical Society and National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; and local newspapers. She is also working on her first novel. When she’s not writing, Lily enjoys riding with the Snake River Stampeders night light drill team, coaching the EhCapa Bareback Riders, a PRCA specialty act, and teaching horseback riding lessons. She makes her home in Southwest Idaho with her entrepreneurial husband, their dog, horse, and cows.
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