The Cooper Family: A Rodeo Dynasty Rooted in New Mexico

In the wide, sun-soaked expanses of the American Southwest, few names carry as much weight in rodeo circles as the Coopers. For over half a century, this legendary New Mexico family has been a force in the sport, their legacy rooted in hard work, grit, and an unwavering love for the cowboy way of life. Their story begins with a man whose impact on rodeo was as large as the Western skies—**Tuffy Cooper**.

Tuffy Cooper was the epitome of a cowboy—a man born into the rugged world of ranching who found his true calling in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of tie-down roping. With sharp instincts and quick hands, Tuffy honed his skills on the ranch, but his ambition drove him beyond the open range. He enrolled at the University of New Mexico, where he helped shape the future of collegiate rodeo by assisting in the organization of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). In 1950, Tuffy captured the NIRA calf roping title, solidifying his place in rodeo history.

However, his greatest legacy wasn’t a single victory or title—it was the indelible mark he left on his family and the generations of Coopers who followed. Tuffy’s passion, work ethic, and love for the sport would come to define his children and their path in rodeo, creating a family dynasty that still reigns supreme in the sport today. His impact on the world of rodeo extended far beyond the arena, shaping not just his own future but the future of the sport itself.

Tuffy raised his kids with a rope in one hand and the values of discipline and perseverance in the other. His son, **Roy Cooper**, would take these lessons and run with them—straight to the top of the rodeo world. Known as the “Super Looper,” Roy dominated tie-down roping throughout the 1970s and 1980s, revolutionizing the sport with his lightning-fast technique. His eight world titles weren’t just a testament to his talent but also to the foundations laid by Tuffy, the man who taught him the importance of perfecting his craft.

But Roy wasn’t the only one who carried the family name to new heights. His brother, **Clay Cooper**, although not as celebrated, played a crucial role in Roy’s journey. Clay competed in steer wrestling and team roping, but his most significant contribution was his mentorship to Roy. Clay was the quiet force behind the scenes, always encouraging his younger brother to push his limits and maintain the family’s competitive edge.

The Coopers also proved that rodeo wasn’t just for the boys. **Betty Gayle Cooper**, Roy and Clay’s sister, made a name for herself in the fast-paced world of barrel racing. With sharp reflexes and an unbreakable bond with her horses, Betty Gayle held her own in the sport, embodying the family’s competitive spirit. Outside the arena, she was the heartbeat of the Cooper family, always supporting her brothers and pushing the next generation forward.

As the torch passed to Roy’s children, the Cooper name continued to thrive in rodeo arenas across the country. **Tuf**, **Clif**, and **Clint Cooper**—Roy’s sons—have all built careers in tie-down roping, following the same path blazed by their grandfather Tuffy. Among them, **Tuf Cooper** has become one of the most celebrated cowboys of his generation, capturing multiple world titles and solidifying his place as the heir to the Cooper dynasty.

The Cooper legacy doesn’t stop there. **Shada Brazile**, Roy’s daughter, became part of rodeo’s ultimate power couple when she married **Trevor Brazile**, a cowboy whose 26 world championships make him the most decorated in the sport’s history. Together, Shada and Trevor have further intertwined the Cooper name with rodeo royalty.

The Cooper family’s story is one of resilience, talent, and a deep love for the rodeo lifestyle—a way of life that’s as much a part of New Mexico as its desert plains and star-filled nights. Tuffy Cooper’s quiet determination and fierce competitiveness laid the groundwork for a family legacy that spans multiple generations, each adding their own chapter to the Cooper name.

Today, with Tuf Cooper and his siblings competing at the highest levels, the Cooper legacy shows no signs of slowing down. Rodeo isn’t just what the Coopers do—it’s who they are. As long as there are ropes to throw and calves to catch, the Cooper name will continue to echo in arenas across the West, a testament to one family’s unwavering dedication to the sport that has defined their lives for generations.