Myrtis Dightman Rodeo Association

SEVEN NATIONAL FINALS. A PLACE AMONG RODEO’S BEST. 🤠

As reported by Texas Monthly in 2018, Myrtis Dightman was tied for 20th in all-time NFR bull riding appearances, with seven trips to rodeo’s biggest stage. Only 19 bull riders had made more.

Why does that matter? NFR berths went to the season’s top 15 money-earners. Getting there required winning against elite competition, rodeo after rodeo, while staying healthy enough to keep riding.

Myrtis first reached the Finals in 1964, becoming the first Black cowboy to compete there. He returned six more times. In 1967, he climbed to No. 1 during the season and finished THIRD IN THE WORLD.

Behind those numbers is a story everyone should know: a young cowboy from Crockett, Texas, who faced discrimination, traveled long miles, and kept proving he belonged.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll share the people, rides, friendships, and defining moments that made Myrtis Dightman the “Jackie Robinson of Rodeo.”

First up: his East Texas beginnings—long before the headlines and Hall of Fame honors.

👍 LIKE this post to celebrate his legacy.
↗️ SHARE it so someone new learns his name.
🤠 FOLLOW this page for the stories behind the legend.

Have you met Myrtis or watched him ride? Tell us in the comments!

Source: Christian Wallace, “The Jackie Robinson of Rodeo,” Texas Monthly, July 2018. Historical ranking reflects the article’s 2018 reporting.

THANK YOU, ELEMENT DENTAL & ORTHODONTICS!

We proudly thank Element Dental & Orthodontics and owner Dr. Tiffany Gillum for supporting the Myrtis Dightman Hall of Fame Youth Rodeo.

Your contribution helps us continue building opportunities for young rodeo athletes while preserving the values of discipline, confidence and community.

Element Dental & Orthodontics
24179 Tomball Parkway, Suite B
Tomball, TX 77375
Phone: (281) 602-3688
Email: [email protected]


Myrtis Dightman Hall Of Fame Rodeo Events

THANK YOU, COCHINO CREEK STORAGE & McCLAIN PEST CONTROL!

The Myrtis Dightman Hall of Fame Youth Rodeo proudly thanks Cochino Creek Storage and McClain Pest Control for sponsoring our Team Roping event.

Your support helps us provide opportunities for young rodeo athletes while preserving Western heritage for future generations.

Cochino Creek Storage
406 Keith Street, Kennard, TX 75847
(936) 655-2230
[email protected]

McClain Pest Control
300 West Main Street, Kennard, TX 75847
(936) 544-5786
[email protected]


Myrtis Dightman Hall Of Fame Rodeo Events

THANK YOU, CUTSHAW CHEVROLET!

The Myrtis Dightman Hall of Fame Youth Rodeo extends our sincere appreciation to Cutshaw Chevrolet, Inc. for being a valued supporter of our rodeo and its mission.

Your support helps us preserve Texas rodeo heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls.

Cutshaw Chevrolet
Highway 287 South
Grapeland, TX 75844
Sales: (866) 244-9845
Service: (877) 275-8202
cutshawchevrolet.com

Grapeland Chevrolet Dealer in Grapeland TX | Crockett Palestine Elkhart Chevrolet Dealership Texas Cutshaw Chevrolet of Grapeland TX serving Crockett, Palestine, Elkhart, is one of the finest Grapeland Chevrolet dealers.

THANK YOU, RATCLIFF PREMIUM MEATS!

The Myrtis Dightman Hall of Fame Youth Rodeo proudly welcomes Ratcliff Premium Meats as a 2026 supporter! This family-owned business raises high-quality Texas beef at Caney Creek Ranch in Oakwood.

Single order packages, subscription boxes, half cow or whole cow….. they have something that fits your household!

Join the Ratcliff family for The Meat Up, a monthly family-style cookout where guests can walk the land, meet the team and learn about ranch-direct beef, agriculture and sustainability.

Next Meat Up:
Saturday, September 19, 2026
4:00–9:00 p.m.
Children under 12 are free.

Tickets: ratcliffpremiummeats.com

Need an overnight stay? Visit lakenoire.com and use Ratcliff Premium Meats discount code RATCLIFF15 for 15% off at The Retreat at Lake Noire.

THANK YOU, LOVELADY STATE BANK!

We proudly thank Lovelady State Bank for sponsoring the Barrel Racing event at the Myrtis Dightman Hall of Fame Youth Rodeo.

Since 1974, Lovelady State Bank has served its neighbors and community. Its support helps us continue creating opportunities for young cowboys and cowgirls to compete and grow.

Lovelady State Bank
910 South Commerce
Lovelady, TX 75851
Phone: (936) 636-7337
loveladystatebank.com

THANK YOU, CUTSHAW CHEVROLET!

The Myrtis Dightman Hall of Fame Youth Rodeo extends our sincere appreciation to Cutshaw Chevrolet, Inc. for being a valued supporter of our rodeo and its mission.

Your support helps us preserve Texas rodeo heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls.

Cutshaw Chevrolet
Highway 287 South
Grapeland, TX 75844
Sales: (866) 244-9845
Service: (877) 275-8202
cutshawchevrolet.com

The 37th Annual Myrtis Dightman Hall of Fame Youth Rodeo isn't just a competition—it's where the next generation of legends is born. 🏆 With a chance to qualify for the Jr. NFR in Las Vegas, the pressure is on and the talent is unmatched.

Who are you cheering for this year? Tag a young cowboy or cowgirl who's ready to dominate the arena!

August 4th & 5th

👉 CLICK TO SIGN UP:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/BFC5/_2026MyrtisDightmanHallOfFameYouthRodeo

2026 Myrtis Dightman Hall of Fame Youth Rodeo

The 37th Annual Myrtis Dightman Hall of Fame Youth Rodeo isn't just a competition—it's where the next generation of legends is born. 🏆 With a chance to qualify for the Jr. NFR in Las Vegas, the pressure is on and the talent is unmatched.

Who are you cheering for this year? Tag a young cowboy or cowgirl who's ready to dominate the arena!

SIGN UP TO RIDE NOW!

https://www.cognitoforms.com/BFC5/_2026MyrtisDightmanHallOfFameYouthRodeo?fbclid=IwdGRjcAUC_LBwZG9mAWZkaWQWUNkWc1Ne3U_8VZW1dyZcVMmvxRkpOmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6icjD7k8pbvTnckf280ain2VUZ0QiGpVP_GUbiNTRPTPN19EW-p0kyrLiLQg_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw