Shad Mayfield was exposed to rodeo at a young age because his father was a well-known competitor. He continues to follow his family’s tradition in the rodeo as a threat to other competitors.
Because of its brutality, rodeo is not for everyone. Players in this sport must push themselves to the edge and take many risks. However, Shad understands the challenges of being a rodeo athlete and that being one of the best in the world is much more challenging.
Even though he had difficulty finishing third in the 2023 World Standings, he still aspires to be the best. Consequently, he received the nickname Money Mayfield, placed first in the 2024 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and won the 2024 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
Shad loved horses while growing up, and one day, the owner of the horses caught him. Although the old man scared him, he told him that if he was going to ride his horse, he would have to feed them and help care for them.
He worked hard for the old man, and it took him a year to make enough money to buy a horse from him for $350. He purchased a two-year-old horse, Sara Barb.
Shad Mayfield’s Parents Set An Example For Him
Shad Mayfield’s father, Sylvester Mayfield, was a renowned rodeo contestant. His athletic traits were passed down from his father, who raised him in a rodeo environment.
Sylvester was a tie-down roper and participated in the National Finals Rodeo in 1985 and 1987. He was the first African American to be eligible for the NFR. Moreover, he was a first-generation cowboy and received the name Silver for wearing his silver jacket in the field.
Thus, Shad proudly discusses his father’s achievements and how they paved the way for a new generation.
My dad made $500 a month plowing fields with mules on a farm in Mississippi. He moved our family to New Mexico, and as a kid I just had a love for horses. We lived right by the train tracks, and after school I’d jump a train, ride it a mile and a half to the stockyards in Clovis and jump off, so I could ride horses. I was 10. I rode those horses bareback with baling wire around their neck.
Sliver had to learn everything independently but was there for his son to guide him from day one.
Shad remembers fondly how his father taught him how to deal with pressure and other rodeo-related things. His father put more pressure on him than that in the practice pen.
On the other hand, his mother, JoEllen, is also into Rodeo, and her family competed in tournaments. JoEllen was a substitute teacher for the Clovish School and homeschooled her son in his senior year of high school.
Furthermore, Shad’s parents raised him alongside his sister, Shelby, who did barrel racing and modeling. She went to Texas Tech and worked as his manager.
From an early age, his family supported and guided the rodeo champion. They also attended his competitions and helped him when he won.
Shad has had an incredible career, with five Wrangler NFR Qualifications and one World title under his belt. His best season was when he finished in the world rankings in 2022.
Nonetheless, he has amassed an estimated net worth of $1 million and built his home in Lipan, Texas.
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