“What a gift he was,” says James. “It’s sad that he is gone but what life he had. It’s something to be celebrated.”

Words fail to adequately describe Scamper’s iconic career but amazing, incredible and stoic all come to mind. Scamper is easily defined by his performance record, which was perfect. Achieving 10 world championships in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, he teamed with James to earn National Finals Rodeo average titles in 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990 and 1993. The duo won an incredible 10 RodeoHouston titles and countless circuit and major rodeo championships on their way to earnings of well over $1 million.

Together Scamper and Charmayne defined an era in rodeo and their famous round-winning bridle less ride perhaps best epitomizes the relationship between horse and rider; a one-in-a-million partnership that was loyal and true to the end. Defying all odds, the unassuming bay raced his way into the hearts of millions, taking a shy ranch girl from Clayton, N.M. with him. From feedlot pony to equine legend, Scamper’s conformation, attitude and mental and physical toughness endeared him to the public. His smooth-as-glass style coupled with great speed made him a formidable horse for the competition to face.

Scamper was 35 when he was laid to rest at the ranch in Boerne, Texas.

Scamper and Charmayne’s Achievements

1984 – $53,499

Rodeo Houston champion

WPRA Rookie of the Year

Wrangler Series champion

Dodge Series champion

NFR champion

WPRA World Champion

1985 – $93,847

Rodeo Houston champion

Coors Chute Out champion

Winston Pro Tour champion

Wrangler Series champion

Dodge Series champion

WPRA World Champion

1986 – $151,969

Rodeo Houston champion

Turquoise Circuit champion

Leading Money Earner in Professional Rodeo

Coors Chute Out champion

Winston Series champion

Winston Pro Tour champion

Wrangler Series champion

Dodge Series champion

NFR champion

WPRA World Champion

1987 – $120,002

Rodeo Houston champion

James became the first woman to wear back No. 1 into the NFR

Coors Barrel Racing champion

Coors Chute Out champion

Wrangler Series champion

NFR champion

WPRA World Champion

1988 – $130,540

Rodeo Houston champion

1988 Calgary Olympics, Gold Medal Team

Coors Chute Out champion

Dodge Series champion

WPRA World Champion

1989 – $96,651

Rodeo Houston champion

Coors Chute Out champion

Dodge Series champion

AQHA Horse of the Year

Sierra Circuit champion

NFR champion

WPRA World Champion

1990 – $130,328

Charmayne crosses the million-dollar milestone

Coors Chute Out champion

Dodge Series champion

AQHA Horse of the Year

Wrangler Series champion

Copenhagen/Skoal Series champion

NFR champion

WPRA World Champion

1991 – $92,403

Rodeo Houston champion

Coors Chute Out champion

Dodge Series champion

Crown Royal season winner

Wrangler World of Rodeo champion

Sierra Circuit champion

AQHA Horse of the Year

WPRA World Champion

1992 – $110,867

Rodeo Houston champion

Charmayne inducted to National Cowgirl Hall of Fame

Calgary Stampede champion

Crown Royal season winner

WPRA World Champion

1993 – $103,609

Rodeo Houston champion

Crown Royal season winner

Dodge Series champion

NFR champion

WPRA World Champion

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