Don Paul “Roy” Carter was born in Denton, Texas on November 25, 1951. Roy was the youngest son of Jerry and John Carter, legendary cutting horse trainer who together with Doug Thurman were the primary influences in his life. Wanting to ride anything with hair, it was no surprise when Roy began his career riding calves, steers, then bulls in the American Junior Rodeo Association. At 14, Roy underwent a life threatening twelve hour surgery after being injured, but Carter’s love and passion for the sport had him back riding after a lengthy hospital stay.
While still in high school, Carter received his professional rodeo card in 1969. After winning the Texas High School Rodeo Finals he immediately headed to the pros. For the next fifteen years Carter would do what he always wanted to do, “ride bulls”. His generosity is legendary and the retired bull rider turned National Cutting Horse Hall of Famer is known for his “Come on…we’ll pen ‘em” attitude.
Although Carter’s professional career was plagued with injuries he was known by his peers as a rider who rode the rank ones including 92 points on Red Lightening and 90 points on Double Trouble. Located in the Cheyenne Frontier Days museum is a photograph of Roy on World Champion Bucking Bull #28 Mr. Bubble. Moments after the photo was taken Roy broke his neck and back, costing him one of many missed trips to the NFR due to injuries. Carter qualified for the Lonestar Circuit Finals four years and placed at every major rodeo he entered. Wins included Ft Smith, Phoenix, Arcadia and Kissimmee, Belton and Pecos, Omaha and Burwell, Jackson, and Lake Charles.
As a breeder the RC brand is recognized for producing legendary bucking bulls for over 30 years. His buckers have been selected for the NFR and PBR World Finals since the 1960’s and include former PBR Reserve Bucking Bull of the Year Kid Rock, Eddie Muenster, Alligator, and the unridden Uncle Kracker.