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by George Sharman (Author), M. J. Schumacher (Editor)
Born into poverty and told he was too small-and too handicapped-to succeed, Ray Wharton refused to let circumstance define his future. With only a ninth-grade education and a deformed right arm, he rose from the rugged roping country of Texas to become one of rodeo's most respected champions and admired cowboys.
In an era stacked with legendary competitors like Toots Mansfield and Don McLaughlin, Wharton proved he belonged among the best. He captured the 1956 World Championship and finished runner-up for the title three additional times while competing in some of the toughest rodeos in America.
From Madison Square Garden to Cow Palace, Ray won at the biggest arenas in the nation, yet never lost sight of the cowboy values that shaped him. Through hard work, humility, and determination, rodeo gave him the opportunity to build the life he always wanted in Bandera-a life centered on ranching, friendship, and helping younger generations pursue their dreams.
World champion roper Ray Wharton overcame poverty, hardship, and physical challenges to become a rodeo legend, respected cowboy, and inspiration to generations in and out of the arena.
