Lynn Mattocks was born and raised in ranch country. From his earliest days in Grenola, KS he was involved in breaking horses and working with livestock. During high school, Lynn entered his first rodeo and won the Bull Riding. He competed at Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) rodeos throughout the Midwest in Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding and Bull Riding until he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1955.
Lynn was a Counterintelligence Specialist during his 30 year career in the Marines. The intense training and constant temporary assignments made it difficult for him to rodeo as much as he would like to. Yet, he still found a way even after being wounded in Viet Nam and receiving a Purple Heart. He is a highly decorated Marine who even worked as the handler for the famous war horse SSgt. Reckless during her retirement years at Camp Pendleton, CA.
From 1955 through 1981 Lynn went to as many rodeos as possible. While stationed in Hawaii he won the Hawaii Rodeo Association Bareback Riding title twice and also the Saddle Bronc and Bullriding titles. Once back at Camp Pendleton, CA, he earned eight military rodeo titles in Bareback Riding, three titles in Bull Riding and one in Saddle Bronc Riding. Throughout his rodeo career, he would work any event if cowboys were needed and despite his small size competed in Steer Wrestling and the Wild Horse Races. At times, he found himself working as a bullfighter and rodeo announcer.
When MSgt Mattocks retired from the military he didn’t walk away from anything. Lynn represented Flying U Rodeo Company in Southern California helping produce many rodeos. He continued to work with the Military Rodeo Cowboys Association as head of judging. Lynn spent 25 years working with the Riverside County Trails Committee helping build and protect open space for horseback riding. Two of his proudest endeavors were the years he worked with the Make a Wish Foundation and being a founding board member for the Manzanita Ranch which provides rehabilitation for veterans suffering from PTSD.
Born: 1935 in Cedar Vale, KS Died: 2022 in Riverside, CA
