Hyde Merritt was born May 24, 1922, in Federal, Wyoming. Son of World Champion Steer Roper King Merritt, Hyde was exposed early to roping, rodeoing, and stock contracting. While attending the University of Wyoming, in 1941 Merritt was instrumental in establishing the first University of Wyoming college rodeo, including writing the bylaws. After service in World War II, Merritt returned to co-found and edit The Rodeo News from 1946-1948. From 1948-1949, he was editor and West Coast manager for Western Horseman magazine, and in 1950 became editor for Quarter Horse News magazine.
Merritt stayed busy outside of publishing, too. He is a founder of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, became an RCA member in 1945, and founded or served various Quarter Horse associations. Merritt became an esteemed Quarter Horse judge and breeder as well as a rodeo stock contractor of high regard. He was also instrumental in bringing parimutuel betting to Wyoming.
Remembered by many as the “godfather of steer roping,” Merritt helped secure a home for the National Finals Steer Roping in Laramie, Wyoming, from 1973-1983 when many thought the sport was facing collapse. Merritt passed away on his family’s ranch in January 1983.
