History and Mission

Windy Ryon

Windy Ryon was a cowboy and businessman, founder of Ryon's Saddle Shop and Western Store in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. There was always a pot of coffee on at Ryon's, and it became a gathering place for cowboys and ranch and rodeo hands. This internationally famous store was the background for many a wild west tale. Windy was usually in the store spinning yarns and trading stories with the best of them.

To honor Windy's memory, his friends held the first Windy Ryon Memorial Roping in 1973. Since that time, the roping has become a showcase to the world's top professional rodeo competitors like Dean Oliver, Roy Cooper, Joe Beaver, and even Walt Garrison. The Windy Ryon Arena, just north of the Fort Worth Stockyards, in Saginaw, has been the home of incredible rodeo action.

Tens of thousands of spectators have enjoyed the excitement of championship calf roping, steer roping, steer wrestling, and team roping. There's even ladies team roping and calf roping, and a celebrity washer pitch tournament.

The Windy Ryon Memorial Roping Association has proudly committed its efforts and profits to charities, and has contributed nearly a half-million dollars to various organizations that benefit young men and women including: 

• West Texas Boys Ranch

• The Boswell FFA

• Saginaw 4-H

• North Texas High School Rodeo Association

• The Ronald McDonald House

• Fort Worth Stock Show Calf Scramble

• Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund

Each year the roping honors the memory of an area cowboy or cowgirl who live and love the sport of rodeo.

The Roping is as historical as it is entertaining, and the Windy Ryon Memorial Roping Association dedicates itself each year to provide a world-class roping event and to meet all of its area youth scholarship obligations.