Myrtis Dightman and the Legacy of Black Cowboys: From the Frontier to the NFR
For over a century, Black cowboys have played a vital role in the story of the American West, yet the professional rodeo circuits and arenas were slow to recognize their contributions. Among those who broke these racial barriers was Myrtis Dightman, a bull-riding pioneer whose courage paved the way for generations of Black rodeo stars. Following in his footsteps was Sylvester Mayfield, who achieved a historic first by qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in a timed event, further dismantling the racial divides within professional rodeo. His legacy now lives on through his son, Shad Mayfield, who is poised to enter the 2024 NFR as a top contender, a testament to the enduring influence of Black cowboys.
The Hidden History of Black Cowboys
In the 19th century, Black cowboys made up an estimated quarter of all cowboys in the West. These men worked alongside others, driving cattle, managing ranches, and proving themselves as some of the finest ropers and riders in the frontier. But despite their skills and contributions, early rodeo events in the 20th century largely excluded Black athletes.
Myrtis Dightman: Breaking Rodeo’s Racial Barrier
Myrtis Dightman, born in 1935 in Crockett, Texas, entered professional bull riding in the 1960s. In 1966, he became the first Black cowboy to qualify for the NFR, competing among the best in the bull-riding world. His presence was revolutionary; he encountered discrimination, was denied entry to some venues, and often rode as the only Black cowboy in the lineup. Yet, his talent was undeniable. Through sheer grit and unmatched skill, Dightman continued to make NFR appearances in 1967 and 1970, breaking ground for others and proving that race had no bearing on rodeo talent.
Sylvester Mayfield: Breaking Through in Timed Events
Inspired by Dightman’s trailblazing career, Sylvester Mayfield became another pioneer, but in a different arena. In the 1980s, Mayfield became the first Black cowboy to qualify for the NFR in a timed event, marking a monumental shift in rodeo history. Known for his expertise in tie-down roping, he demonstrated that Black athletes could compete—and succeed—in events beyond rough stock, a domain often viewed as a more accessible route due to fewer barriers for entry. Sylvester’s achievement was a powerful statement, opening doors for Black cowboys in every event, from bull riding to roping.
Shad Mayfield’s 2024 Season: A Legacy of Resilience
Today, Sylvester’s son, Shad Mayfield, carries this legacy forward. Entering the 2024 rodeo season, Shad has battled injuries but delayed surgery to pursue his dream. He now enters the NFR as the all-around leader and the leader in tie-down roping—a feat that echoes his father’s legacy while setting a new standard. Competing in this historic “Year of the Cowboy,” Shad stands at the pinnacle of the sport, embodying not just his family’s legacy but the journey of Black cowboys in rodeo.
The Restoration of Rodeo’s True Heritage
The journey of Black cowboys—often excluded from arenas for decades—has come full circle. Myrtis Dightman’s bull riding, Sylvester Mayfield’s barrier-breaking in tie-down roping, and Shad Mayfield’s 2024 accomplishments remind us of rodeo’s true roots: a diverse, inclusive sport born from a shared heritage of skill, courage, and resilience.
With each ride and every roping, they restore the rightful place of Black cowboys in rodeo. The best talent, no matter the color, has earned its place in the arena. As Shad Mayfield takes his lead into the NFR, his journey is a tribute to the pioneers like Myrtis and Sylvester, whose legacies opened the gates for a new era in rodeo—one that honors every cowboy’s rightful place in the arena.
