As the son of two-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier Sylvester Mayfield, calf roper Shad Mayfield of Clovis, New Mexico, knows he has big boots to fill; but he's not worried. At just 20 years old, Mayfield has already won the tie-down roping at The American in Arlington, Texas; competed in the NFR twice; and earned his first world championship in calf roping at the end of his 2020 season, along with a slew of other victories.
"I started roping when I was seven years old, but I had a rope in my hand before that because of my dad," Mayfield said. "When I was little, I'd go to rodeos with him and always carried a rope around. Then when I was seven, I roped off a horse for the first time. Dad really set the pace for me and taught me everything I know."
Inspired by his rodeo idols, including his father, and 26-time world champion Trevor Brazile, Mayfield works hard to develop his physical abilities. But he's also dedicated to cultivating a positive mindset for himself, especially when he's competing.
"I think calf roping is the toughest event because there's so much to it," Mayfield said. "You've got to have a good horse and you've got to draw good, but you also have to be strong mentally. Something I learned from [tie down roper] Tyson Durfey is to have a 10-minute memory. Whenever you have a bad run, don't dwell on it. As soon as you ride out of that arena, it's over with. That's something I've always wanted to explain to my younger self, because as soon as you get out of that arena, you've got to think about your next run."
Whether he's practicing at home or competing, Mayfield relies on grass ropes and Rattler strings.
"I use Rattler strings. Rattler has been a sponsor of mine since I was little, so that's the string that fits me the best," Mayfield said. "I like grass ropes a little more limber than most guys do, so I'll leave them in the sun to soften them. I really take care of my ropes. If you take good care of a grass rope, it'll last you six months to a year. I like to have trust in my ropes."
Best Rodeo: The American in 2020. Being able to compete at the Dallas Cowboys' stadium was pretty cool, and that's the biggest win of my career.
Best Horse: My Quarter Horse gelding, Rampage, because he's the coolest horse I've got and the easiest. He's the same every time. He's got a real big stop and he's pretty famous for that.
Favorite Hat: I go with the American Hat Company. The midnight blue color is my favorite for sure.
Favorite Arena: My favorite arena is the AT&T Center in San Antonio, because it was my first big pro rodeo. It's also the home of the San Antonio Spurs, so it was cool to be able to rope where the Spurs play because I'm a big basketball fan.
