Much of the success of Texas Mesquite Rodeo came as a result of Kay Gay’s talents as a manager. Wife of rodeo producer Neal Gay, of Mesquite, Texas, and mother of three rodeo champions-Don, Pete, and Jim Gay-she was an original participant in the creation and organization of the Mesquite venue, a show that promotes the sport of rodeo worldwide, via television.
The Mesquite Rodeo originated in 1958, when Neal Gay, rodeo champion Jim Shoulders, and others combined their talent and experience. Since then, Kay Gay has rounded up livestock, matched the clothing for the pickup men and flag bearers, and generally attended to the operation’s details. She also serves as the timer and rodeo secretary.
On the Mesquite Rodeo Ranch, north of Terrell, Texas, Kay Gay breeds and trains horses for barrel-racing completion. She received the Tad Lucas Memorial Award for her contributions to rodeo sport in 1994.
