EVENTS
Calf Roper, Champion, 1939-1941, 1943, 1945, 1948, 1950
Toots Mansfield was arguably the most talented calf roper to swing a loop during the 1940s. Born at Bandera, Texas, in 1914, he was already a seasoned cowhand when he entered professional rodeo.
Mounted on horses trained by Juan and Tony Salinas, of Encinal, Texas, Toots Mansfield dominated the calf roping for twelve years. He won at Madison Square Garden seven times, Pendleton three times, Cheyenne three times, and Fort Worth four times. He captured the championship crown an unprecedented seven times from 1939 through 1950 (placing second in 1942, 1946, and 1947). Mansfield’s record remained intact until excelled by Dean Oliver in 1955-1969.
A big man, Toots developed a widely imitated style of “legging down,” flanking, and then tying a calf. He also competed well in steer roping and team roping. Mansfield opened a popular calf-roping school in 1954. He was president of the Rodeo Cowboys Association from 1945 to 1951. He died in 1998.
