EVENTS
Bronc Rider
Calf Roper
Steer Roper
Woodrow Wilson “Sonny” Hancock was born and raised near Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Growing up on a commercial horse and cattle ranch, Sonny learned firsthand about cowboying. When he entered rodeo in 1935 at age 18, he put his training to good use, winning all-around honors at the Clovis, New Mexico, fair.
After becoming a professional, Sonny Hancock contested at all of the nation’s major venues. At the Boston Garden show in 1936, he was one of 61 men who formed the Cowboys Turtle Association. During Hancock’s two-decade career he contested in bronc riding, steer and calf roping, and bulldogging, as well as wild cow milking.
Sonny Hancock’s rodeo career was interrupted by service as a paratrooper in World War II, but at war’s end he returned to rodeo. After retiring from active competition, Hancock ranched near Fort Sumner. He died in 1997.
