Roping & Rodeo

By the time Clay turned fifteen he was winning consistently and often being turned away from local jackpots because ropers didn’t want to compete against him. Getting a driver’s license the following year coupled with his consistent winnings enabled Clay to travel and compete more.

The following year Clay made the move to Arizona, to be near his father, and started roping for a living while learning to make it on his own. He was truly living his dream and pursued it with a driving force. He recognized he needed to learn how to handle pressure, the importance of riding better horses and the need to continually improve.

His goal was to win a world championship and the cowboys he roped with all shared the same goal. They gained confidence as they progressed through the amateur rodeos and jackpots. Soon, once again, Clay found himself repeatedly banned from jackpots where ropers did not want to compete against him. This limited his earning potential and resulted in Clay joining the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1981 where he qualified for the National Finals the same year.

Over the years Clay has qualified for 23 National Finals and won seven world titles. In 2007 he became the tenth rodeo competitor to surpass $2 million in career earnings.

Career Highlights

• 7-Time world champion
• 25 NFR qualifications
• Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
• 3-Time NFR Champion
• 3-Time Reserve All Around Champion
• 3-Time AQHA World Champion
• 2-Time BFI Champion
• 2-Time George Strait Team Roping Champion
• 4-Time Dodge National Circuit Finals Champion
• 2-Time Texas Circuit Champion
• 6-Time Turquoise Circuit Champion
• 2-Time PRCA Tour Finale Champion