CUSTER COUNTY COWBOY
World Class Calf Roper
by Fred Hernandez,
Sangre de Cristo Sentinel
The sharp rush of adrenaline surges through horse and
rider as the gate bangs open and the calf makes a dash to escape. The whir of rope as it slices through the air from the hand of an expert landing perfectly around the animal’s neck. In split seconds mount slides to a stop, rider is off and calf is tied down while the crowd roars in delight.
That’s rodeo at its best and some of the best rodeo stars come from right here in Custer County. Sam Stafford, only fourteen years old, is already recognized as one of the most skilled at the art of calf roping.
Born in Pueblo, Colorado, and a lifelong resident of Westcliffe, Colorado, Sam, who grew up on the family ranch, Lazy V Cattle Company, was introduced to the saddle by his father when only a toddler. His love of horses will last a lifetime.
At age twelve, Sam and his horse JR came under the masterful
tutelage of World Champion and professional horse trainer Jack Wright of Penrose, Colorado. With thirty world and reserve
titles including the 2014 American Paint Horse Association world championship title, Mr. Wright is considered Royalty among the elite in the kingdom of roping and reining. With his inborn skills Sam flourished and quickly developed into the world class winner he has become.
Courtesy photo from the Staffords
On the Junior High/High School Rodeo Association, Sam won the State Title in Tie Down Roping for Colorado. This qualified for him and his horse, JR, to compete in Des Moine, Iowa, at the Junior
High National Finals where he placed 4th in the World for Tie Down Roping. Recently, in a crowded field of 1,500 contestants in Guthrie, Oklahoma, at the National Little Britches Finals Rodeo, Sam won the title for 7th in the World for Team Roping and 10th in the World for Breakaway Roping.
With these wins Sam has qualified for the Vegas Tuffest as well and the Hooey Junior Patriot to be held this December in Las Vegas, Nevada, known in the rodeo world as the most prestigious arena. The future for this young star includes his plan to enter Tarleton State University in Stephensville, Texas, nationally recognized as
having one of the best rodeo facilities and to be a part of their rodeo team. Beyond that, Sam wants to be an accomplished horse trainer. Sam says he would have been a bull rider rather than a roper but “Mom would not let me”.
Huge congratulations are definitely in order for Sam Stafford who has brought much honor to his native Custer County. Thank you, Sam Stafford. You are truly the Champ.
Photos courtesy of the Staffords