Clay O’Brien Cooper

Clay O’Brien Cooper has enjoyed a 30-year career in professional rodeo during which he has earned seven world championship titles and has been a 20-time WNFR qualifier. With more than $2 million dollars in career earnings, Clay remains in the top 10 of the PRCA Career Earnings Leaders.

Clay has won every major event in team roping and is considered by most to be the greatest heeler of all time. Clay was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1997 and is a model and inspiration for thousands of ropers.

World Championships

Team Roping: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1994

National Finals Rodeo Average Champion

Team Roping: 1985, 1994, 2007, 2012

RAM Circuit Finals Rodeo Champion

Team Roping: 1987, 1989, 1995, 1996

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Breaking the Heeling Barrier
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Heeling Donkeys Part 2: What Makes a Good Heeling Donkey
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Heeling Donkeys Part 1: The Benefits of a Heeling Donkey
As a header, I judge my handles on how easy I make it on my heeler. TRJ File Photo
Handling Steers & Helping Your Heeler
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Successful Team Ropers Come in All Shapes and Sizes
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Yes, Your Heel Horse Needs to Break at the Poll. Here's How.
Jake Barnes and Clay O’Brien Cooper have 56 National Finals Rodeo qualifications and seven NFR average wins between them. They won Rodeo’s Super Bowl together in three different decades—in 1985, 1994 and 2007. Dan Hubbell Photo
There is No Single Path to Success in Team Roping or Life
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Clay O'Brien Cooper: Diversification is Smart Business for Your Future
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When the Champ Talks, We Listen: NFR Round 7 Cheat Sheet
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Ensure Your Practice Isn't Going Out the Window with Clay O'Brien Cooper