Rafter G Rodeo

Rafter G Rodeo Company has played a major role in the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo for the past 40 years. Neal Gay, founder of Rafter G Rodeo Company, began managing the Stock Show's rodeo performances in 1979. Rafter G is a rodeo family. Neal, Kay and their sons Pete, Donnie and Jim, along with their families, have all played an integral role in the company. Jim, their youngest son, is now manager, following in his fathers footsteps and continuing the legacy of Rafter G Rodeo.

“I wouldn’t be in this business if I didn’t love it; this is all I ever wanted to do. I’ve never gotten up a day in my life dreading to go to work." -NEAL GAY, Founder Rafter G Rodeo

Neal Gay’s professional rodeo career began as a contestant in Atoka, Okla., in 1945. Gay rode bulls, saddle broncs, bareback broncs and wrestled steers.

In addition to his important work in rodeo production at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Neal founded the Mesquite Championship Rodeo (a weekly spring and summer Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association show) in 1958. He and his family managed Mesquite Rodeo for a half century, from the late 1950s through the late 2000s.

Neal passed away in 2022, but is remembered for riding in the Stock Show & Rodeo’s colorful grand entry well into his 90s.