Riding Into Legacy: Mattie Goff Newcombe

Mattie Goff Newcombe lived with grit, grace and an unmatched love for the rodeo. A standout figure in South Dakota’s rich Western heritage, Mattie’s legacy began in the saddle and lives on through an organization she cared about most, the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center.

Born in 1906 at Tepee Creek south of White Owl, South Dakota, Mattie became one of the most well-known trick riders of her time. Known for her daring vaults, fearless riding and signature Roman-style stunts, she wowed crowds across the country during the 1920s and 1930s. Mattie didn’t just break barriers in the arena, she set a new standard for women in the sport and inspired generations to come. She was inducted into both the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and the South Dakota Hall of Fame, cementing her role as a true pioneer.

But Mattie’s impact didn’t stop when the crowds quieted. In 1995, she made the thoughtful decision to leave a portion of her estate, including her family’s working ranch in eastern Meade County along the Cheyenne River, to South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). 

"She left real assets-a ranch in western South Dakota that benefited the South Dakota Community Foundation with the intent that part of those assets would be used to build the building which is now the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center and Mattie Goff Newcombe Convention Center," said Stephanie Judson, SDCF President & CEO. "She also provided a generous gift to help sustain it so annually there's money available to make sure her legacy has a revenue stream to offset operations and maintain the museum in the pristine condition that it is today."

Through this generous planned gift of land and other assets, Mattie established a permanent endowment that would support the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center long after her lifetime. Her legacy gift not only honored her lifelong dedication to the Western way of life, but also ensured the stories of rodeo, ranching, and South Dakota history would be preserved for generations to come.

Today, her legacy helps preserve and celebrate South Dakota’s rodeo history. The Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center in Fort Pierre showcases the stories, artifacts and champions of the state’s storied Western past, including Mattie’s own unforgettable journey.

Her foresight reminds us that anyone can make a lasting difference. By including the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center in her estate, Mattie ensured her values and passions would live on.

You can do the same. The Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center is currently participating in a Nonprofit Savings Account (NSA) Challenge with SDCF through 2027. If $80,000 is raised for their endowment during this time, SDCF will make a matching gift of $20,000, creating even greater impact for the future of rodeo history in South Dakota.