• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Watch NFR

Watch NFR

  • Home
  • Contestants
  • SCHEDULE
  • Standings
    • All Around
    • Bareback Riding
    • Saddle Bronc
    • Steer Roping
    • Team Roping
    • Tie-Down Roping
    • Steer Wrestling
    • Bull Riding
    • Barrel Racing
    • Breakaway Roping
  • Results
    • NFR 1st Go-Round Results
    • NFR 2nd Go-Round Results
    • NFR 3rd Go-Round Results
    • NFR 4th Go-Round Results
    • NFR 5th Go-Round Results
    • NFR 6th Go-Round Results
    • 2022 NFR 7th Go-Round Results
    • 2022 NFR 8th Go-Round Results
    • 2022 NFR 9th Go-Round Results
    • 2022 NFR 10th Go-Round Results
  • Cowboy Christmas
  • Channel
    • The Masters Live
  • News

News

Former NFR bareback rider Don Mayo passed away

May 28, 2023 By Cooper Leave a Comment

Don Mayo, a former National Finals Rodeo bareback rider, peacefully passed away on May 21 at the age of 84. His remarkable life was marked by his unwavering determination, overcoming adversity, and leaving an indelible mark on the rodeo world.

Born on August 23, 1939, in Grinnell, Iowa, Don Mayo was raised on a bustling family farm, where hard work was a way of life. From a young age, he toiled alongside his parents, Charles and Bernice Haynes Mayo, tending to crops, hogs, and cattle. Even before the sun rose, Don would feed hogs and milk cows, instilling in him a work ethic that would shape his future.

Don’s life took an unexpected turn when, at the age of 12, he stumbled upon an article in Life Magazine featuring Casey Tibbs, a flamboyant rodeo cowboy known for his flashy attire and a purple Cadillac. Captivated by the thrilling world of rodeo, Don made a firm decision to pursue his dream of becoming a rodeo star. With his younger brothers, Paul, Bob, and Roger, he began practicing on the farm’s cattle, honing his bareback riding skills. Don’s passion soon led him to compete in a local amateur rodeo, where he won the bareback riding event and a modest $18 prize. That taste of victory sealed his fate and ignited a lifelong dedication to rodeo.

After graduating from high school in 1957, Don embarked on a challenging journey as a professional rodeo cowboy. Though faced with numerous obstacles, his determination remained unshakable. In 1961, his relentless pursuit of excellence paid off when he qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo, competing in the highly competitive bareback riding event. The following year, Don’s talent reached new heights, finishing as the reserve champion of the world in 1962. In 1963, he was poised to claim the coveted world championship title, but fate had other plans.

Tragedy struck on July 5, 1963, as Don and his younger brother, Paul, were involved in a devastating car wreck. The accident left Don critically injured and paralyzed from the waist down. In a single moment, his dreams of becoming a world champion cowboy seemed irretrievably shattered. However, Don’s indomitable spirit refused to yield. Refusing to be confined to a wheelchair, he embarked on a grueling journey of rehabilitation, determined to walk again. After 18 months of arduous work, Don triumphantly left the hospital, defying the odds and walking on crutches.

Though his rodeo aspirations were forever altered, Don Mayo’s resilience and adaptability shone through as he forged a new path in life. Despite his physical challenges, he emerged as a highly successful businessman in the realms of insurance and real estate. Remarkably, Don also acquired the skill of flying planes, owning four different aircraft that he utilized during his extensive travels while selling life insurance for over three decades.

Don’s enduring legacy extended far beyond the rodeo arena and business world. He became an inspiration to many, admired for his unwavering toughness, grit, and determination. Don’s ability to overcome setbacks and disappointments with a positive attitude resonated with countless individuals, encouraging them never to give up on life’s challenges.

In recognition of his remarkable achievements, Don Mayo was inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in 2002. His place among the rodeo greats forever solidified his impact on the sport.

In 2002, Don Mayo was honored with induction into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame located in Oklahoma City.

Sadly, Don Mayo’s parents, sister Delores Weaver, and brothers Bob Mayo and Paul Mayo preceded him in death. However, he is survived by his beloved wife of 18 years, Myrlen “Ling” Mayo, as well as his brother Roger Mayo. Additionally, he is remembered by his nephews Beau and Les Mayo, Jim and Mark Weaver, and nieces Mary Whitehead and Diane Heaton.

A memorial service to commemorate Don Mayo’s life will take place on Saturday, June 3, at 2 p.m. (CT) at the Cowboy Church of Erath County in Stephenville.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at /LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest PRORODEO news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit WatchNFR.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

Filed Under: News

Tickets on sale for 2023 NFR Open powered by RAM

March 12, 2023 By Cooper Leave a Comment

Tickets for the 2023 NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, July 11-15 in Colorado Springs, Colo., are now on sale online.

The NFR Open powered by RAM, will be one of the biggest rodeos of the 2023 PRORODEO season with $1 million in payouts to contestants, livestock and other PRCA members.

More than 200 top contestants from each of the U.S. and Canadian Circuits, plus national champions from Mexico will be competing in Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Breakaway Roping, Tie-Down Roping, Barrel Racing and Bull Riding, culminating with a semifinals and finals on Saturday, July 15 when the national circuit champions will be crowned.

“The NFR Open is one of the most significant rodeos of the year,” said Tom Glause, CEO of the PRCA. “Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and the Colorado Springs community made this an outstanding rodeo in 2022 and we are excited to build upon that momentum in 2023.”

The NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo will take place July 11-15, with evening performances Tuesday through Saturday, and matinee performances Friday and Saturday. The Tuesday evening and Friday matinee performances are new additions to the lineup to satisfy demand for more performances after last year’s sell outs. Evening performances will start at 7:00 p.m. with matinee performances starting at noon and parking is FREE.

Mayor John Suthers added, “It’s our pleasure to welcome people from all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico to Colorado Springs – Olympic City USA as we celebrate the exciting and fast-growing sport of professional rodeo. The NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo brings together the very best athletes in the sport, while celebrating the second oldest event in our community. Colorado Springs is the perfect place for this ‘can’t miss’ event.”

Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Board President, Scott Johnson, said, “This year’s Rodeo is going to be incredible, with the top talent in the sport coming here to compete. The addition of two performances gives families and working folks more opportunities to come enjoy this with us. And from what I hear, the national champs from Mexico are coming to take home the title. It is going to be another great one.”

Tickets are on sale online now at pikespeakorbust.org and sellouts are expected.

Courtesy of PRCA

Filed Under: News

Team roping heeler Jake Long continues to rope and succeed with broken foot

March 11, 2023 By Cooper Leave a Comment

Team roping heeler Jake Long, a 12-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier, is dealing with some adversity and still succeeding.

Long broke his right foot at the 11th Annual Cervi Pro-Am in Casa Grande, Ariz., on Feb. 22, but was still able to come back and rope at RodeoHouston and advance to the semifinals, highlighted by winning round 1 with his partner Clay Smith in their bracket with a 4.7-second time on Feb. 28.

“I was at the Mike Cervi deal team roping and a steer went down in front of me, and my horse tripped over him,” Long said. “My horse went down and broke my foot. They put a cast on my foot on Feb. 26, two days before I roped (with Clay) at RodeoHouston. I was told I would be in the cast for a month and then a couple of weeks in a walking boot.”

Although Long broke his foot, he has remained upbeat.

“It is not too bad honestly,” Long said. “I put an inner tube on for a stirrup, just a piece of an inner tube and it basically works as a shock absorber for me. It takes a lot of the hard stuff away, where it doesn’t really hurt my foot. It kind of hurts when I first put it in there because of the angle I have to put it in at. It is kind of weird because you don’t have the stability of a real stirrup obviously, but it doesn’t hurt me.

“It is not as comforting as a real stirrup, but you have to do what you got to do. I have to zone in and focus a little bit more.”

The inner tube concept was Long’s based on past experience.

“Well actually I broke my foot in high school right before the high school finals and that was an idea we came up with back then and that was my first go-to thought when this happened,” Long said.

The irony to Long’s broken foot is last summer Smith, his partner and two-time PRCA World Champion Header, broke his right leg on June 28 and he continued to rope with the injury and the duo qualified for the NFR.

“I sure hope we are done with this stuff after this,” Long said. “I wasn’t planning on being on the other end of that ever. We have had to take care of each other a lot more than you normally would. I think we both stepped up when we needed to and been helpful and we definitely have a routine down.”

Courtesy of PRCA

Filed Under: News

2023 Permit Finals champs to gain bids to RODEOHOUSTON® in 2024

March 11, 2023 By Cooper Leave a Comment

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Winning the 2023 Permit Finals provides a bonus for contestants.

Each event winner of the Permit Finals, Oct. 7-9 in Waco, Texas, will secure entry into RODEOHOUSTON® in 2024.

“The PRCA has made a concentrated effort to better support permit holders by establishing the Permit Finals. We are excited to join in that effort and promote these up-and-coming contestants by inviting the 2023 Permit Finals Champions of Waco to Houston in 2024,” said Dr. Chris Boleman, President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

PRCA CEO Tom Glause says this presents an incredible opportunity for the Permit Finals winners to compete against the best of the best.

“The Permit Finals gives our young, up-and-coming contestants a chance to showcase their skills as they prepare to take the next step in their ProRodeo careers,” Glause said. “The Permit Finals winners will now have the opportunity to compete against ProRodeos biggest stars at RODEOHOUSTON®, which is exciting.”

The Top 10 contestants in the permit standings will qualify to compete in the Permit Finals in Waco, with three go-rounds of competition determining the champions.

Courtesy of PRCA

Filed Under: News

NFR bareback horse Hostage of Cervi Championship Rodeo passes away

February 7, 2023 By Cooper Leave a Comment

Former standout Cervi Championship Rodeo’s bareback horse F42 Hostage, a multi-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier, passed away Saturday at the Cervi’s ranch in Stoneham, Colo.

“She wasn’t necessarily the best horse, but she was the most consistent,” Binion Cervi said. “She was one that cowboys could win money on every time. Cowboys knew when they drew her they may win first and if not they will place. She was so easy to ride.”

F42 Hostage was born in 1997 on Cervi’s ranch in Stoneham and retired from rodeo in 2016. She was a multiple-time competitor at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Bobby Mote won Round 4 of the 2007 NFR with 85.5-point ride on the way to winning the world championship that year.

“I had that horse in San Antonio this year,” Mote said moments after his ride. “I didn’t get along with him as good then. I just didn’t bring it and didn’t make as good a ride as I could have. I had a little better game plan today. I just tried to stay as aggressive as I could and fortunately they rewarded me for it.”

At the 2004 NFR in Round 1, Larry Sandvick split second with an 86-point ride on Hostage. In 2005 at the NFR, Wes Stevenson won Round 1 with an 87.5-point ride on Hostage.

F42 Hostage has had 17 foals. Many of which have made NFR appearances, including P16 Hell’s Fire Hostage and W30 Guardian Angel.

“Hostage is one of those horses that if you had a trailer load of them, you would never have to stress being in the rodeo business,” Cervi said.

Filed Under: News

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 11
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • NFR bull rider Koby Radley suffers left leg injury
  • Former NFR bareback rider Don Mayo passed away
  • Veteran bareback rider Orin Larsen set to return from thumb injury
  • Tickets on sale for 2023 NFR Open powered by RAM
  • Team roping heeler Jake Long continues to rope and succeed with broken foot
  • 2023 Permit Finals champs to gain bids to RODEOHOUSTON® in 2024
  • NFR bareback horse Hostage of Cervi Championship Rodeo passes away
  • Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Payout Rises Again In 2023; Now Exceeds $14.9 Million
  • 2023 National Finals Rodeo Dates Announced
  • Sage Newman Gets Big Win in Gillette, (Wyo.) On New Year’s Eve
© WatchNFR.com | Privacy Policy | Disclaimers | Contact Us | GolfPass
The phrase NFR is a registered trademark owned and licensed by the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
WatchNFR.com is not affiliated with, supported or endorsed by the National Finals Rodeo, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and/or it's respective companies in any way. Our use of the term is for informational purposes only.


DMCA.com Protection Status
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT