Marvin Cantrell

Champion Roper and Horse Trainer
1939-Living

Marvin Cantrell was born in Matador, Texas, on January 9, 1939, to Oscar and Estelle Cantrell. Marvin was raised on ranches in West Texas, which instilled in him the early ability to perfect his roping skills.

Roping fans in West Texas were already familiar with Marvin Cantrell prior to annual roping, such as in Happy, Texas, due to his early success. In 1959 at his first professional rodeo in Lubbock, Texas. After coming off a successful American Junior Rodeo Association career, he won the day money with an 8.8record run.

Marvin qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo in 1966 in the tie-down roping. He would later qualify in Steer Roping as well.

Marvin has enjoyed success in all four timed events, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and team roping, although he may be best known for his steer roping talents and great rope horses such as War Wagon. In 1976 he placed at every rodeo he entered to earn the PRCA - NFR steer roping championship.

Marvin has also been one of the country’s top horse trainers and breeders; in 1968, he owned the world champion cutting horse, Chickasha Dan.

Marvin is still active in the horse industry and rides nearly daily at his home in Goliad, Texas.

“I have won a lot of money in that arena in Pecos, Texas. Made a lot of good memories and great friends there too. Such as Jiggs and Ruby Neil Barfield and Doug Miller.”