Yesterday: Callahan Crossley – Tryan

College You Rodeoed For:

Blue Mountain Community College [Pendleton, Oregon]

Years at CNFR and Event(s):

2013, 2014 and 2015 in the barrel racing and breakaway roping.

Years You Won the CNFR:

2015 National Barrel Racing Champion; 2014 Reserve Champion

Hometown/Where You Live Now:

Hometown – Hermiston, Oregon. Now, I live in Huntley, Montana.

Graduation Year/Major/Current Career or Involvement in Rodeo:

I graduated in 2015 with an Associate degree of general studies.

What was your most memorable college rodeo moment?

Probably having a great chance to win the college finals in 2014 and Taylor Engesser beating us in the last round on their amazing horse, which had also been going to the high school finals or state with her sister, if I remember right – similar stories with sharing horses like my sisters and I had shared. That will always stick with me and made losing a little easier when it was to such a cool story.

How did college rodeo shape your career—in or out of the arena?

It shaped a lot of my life, for sure, in and out of the arena, gave me the courage to go out and continue to pursue rodeo after college, which ultimately led me to finding my husband and my little family I have now.

What do you miss most about college rodeo?

Living with friends, then going to rodeos and competing together.

Who had the biggest impact on your rodeo career?

Oh, definitely my family because I got to grow up watching both my mom and dad compete at the professional level. Then, when I was older, I got to watch my sisters do so well in the high school, college, and pro rodeos. So, when it was finally my turn, I had all the support and horsepower from literally all of them to go rodeo – with them at first then eventually I went a little different route.

What’s your proudest accomplishment since CNFR?

Rodeo related – it’s probably winning the Canadian finals in 2018.

How do you stay involved in rodeo today?

I’m very involved in rodeo to this day, but not so much being entered. My kids and I travel around supporting my husband, seeing the sights, and taking in the moments that you take for granted when you have a great horse and are competing yourself! One day we will get back to being entered (hopefully sooner), but for now I’m enjoying the passenger seat and raising babies.

What advice would you give your younger self before that first CNFR run?

Don’t be dumb! Try harder to be prepared, mentally.

 

 

Today: Taycie Matthews

College You Rodeoed For:

I rodeoed for East Mississippi Community College for 2 years and then transferred to The University Of West Alabama.

Years at CNFR and Event(s):

I made the CNFR in the barrel racing in the years of 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Years You Won the CNFR:

2023 and 2024 National Champion Barrel Racer, and 2023 National Women’s Team Champions: University of West Alabama

Hometown/Where You Live Now:

Wynne, Arkansas

Graduation Year/Major/Current Career or Involvement in Rodeo:

I graduated in spring of 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in business administrations. I currently work on our family sweet potato farm and go to rodeos and barrel races on the weekends.

How did college rodeo propel you in your professional career?

Rit taught me responsibly and accountably.

What advice did someone give you during college rodeo that has stuck with you?

Enjoy it because you can’t college rodeo forever.

What has been your favorite rodeo memory so far?

Winning the Women’s Team title at the CNFR.

Who’s your biggest rodeo role model or mentor?

My biggest rodeo mentor would have to be Lisa Lockhart.

How did competing in Casper, Wyoming, affect the way you competed at the NFR?

It didn’t really affect me in any way. Maybe it just helped me in preparing for a smaller pen.

What advice would you give to CNFR contestants as they compete for a national championship this year?

Try your best to stay consistent and take one run at a time!

 

 

Tomorrow: Jordan Driver

College You Rodeo For:

Tarleton State University.

Years at CNFR and Event(s):

4 years; barrel racing and breakaway roping

Hometown/Where You Live Now:

Garden City, Texas

Graduation Year & Major:

May 2025. Bachelors of Science with a Kinesiology Major

What has your journey to the CNFR been like this year?

Being my last year, I wanted to go out with a bang. I set a pretty high goal of winning the Southwest Region in the barrels and all-around at the beginning of the year. I had to remind myself many times that it was a marathon not a sprint, but when the opportunity arises take advantage of it and capitalize on it.

How do you balance college life with rodeo?

Thankfully, I have been very fortunate that my classes and studies are online. It has been very helpful to have that, especially with pro rodeoing as well. I have definitely had to learn how to time manage, and keep myself accountable to stay ahead of my studies.

What’s one piece of advice that you’re taking into your final CNFR?

Have fun and let it all hang out. In the end, it is all in God’s plan what will happen, but I know I have spent the long hours and days preparing for that week, so just go do what I do every day.

What has been your favorite college rodeo memory so far?

There is honestly so many that it is hard to pick one. My most recent favorite college rodeo memory is winning two of the biggest college rodeos of the semesters with my roommate. As well, attending my second CNFR with my two best friends as teammates and competing together for a national title.

What are your goals after the CNFR?

My main goal after the CNFR is to make the NFR. That has always been the end goal, and we are going to give it a run this year.

What role has your team and coach played in your success?

Being apart the Tarleton State University Rodeo Team has been nothing but a blessing to me. My coaches, Mark Eakin and Brittney Stewart, have been a huge part of my success here at TSU; and I will never be able to thank them enough for pushing me past my comfort zones and always being there when I need support. I have met some of my lifelong best friends from being on this team; and I truly believe it is all from being a part of such a well-driven community that is our team. My friends and coaches want to see me succeed beyond just the college stage and would give me the shirt on their back at any time. Knowing that I have that type of support system is what keeps me driven every day.

What’s a piece of knowledge you would give to high schoolers joining the college rodeo ranks this fall?

Be open to change, but always stay true to yourself. You are going to experience so many highs and lows throughout your college career, but that is all what happens when you start to grow and figure out your true self. Also, always believe you belong; if you put in the time and effort everyday no matter the outcome, your success will come.

Throughout the years, the Western industry evolved to include many different disciplines and facets. In the past decade, there has been an influx of supporters. But one thing that will never change is its foundation… Faith, family, and freedom! Western clothing company Rodeo Quincy was created with these ideals as its backbone.

Rodeo + Quincy

Over 10 years ago, college-aged Quincy Eldridge received the opportunity of a lifetime when winning a National Elevator Pitch Competition, which gave way to the start of a purpose the Lord had been preparing her for. The founder and owner of Rodeo Quincy grew up with a unique style and a creative mind. The cowgirl used to spend time in her youth designing her own tack and clothing to compete in at the California High School rodeos. “Honestly, I just started combining my passion when I took an old piece of leather, sanded it down, hand-drew it, and hand-painted it. Then I glued Swarovski rhinestones on it. At the time, it was kind of like the Ed Hardy era, with all the roses and the skulls. I was kind of influenced by that,” Eldridge recalled.

Her designs eventually caught the eye of Ariat International while she was competing at the National High School Finals Rodeo in Farmington, New Mexico. Working alongside the company, Eldridge created her first official line, Ariat’s Quincy Collection. After graduating high school, she continued to work with the company while attending college at California Polytechnic State University and college rodeoing. There, she had an entrepreneurship professor who encouraged her to enter a business pitch competition. That snowballed to Eldridge pitching her Western boot company idea at the national level contest in Chicago. She blew the Windy City out of the water and was crowned the 2013 National Elevator Pitch Competition Champion.

The win was a catapult for launching Quincy Tack and Belts. Eldridge began taking her designs on the road to tradeshows all across the county. She later added a boot company titled Rodeo Quincy, which matured into the timeless, chic store seen today.

 

 

 

 

Legendary Lines

Eldridge comes from a long line of not only rodeo cowboys but also Californios and Nevada ranchers. Her uncle Joe Marvel won the world in the saddle bronc riding back in 1978, with his brother Mike also qualifying to the National Finals Rodeo. Today, the Superbowl of rodeo is still as much of a family affair while she watches her husband Dakota Eldridge compete in the steer wrestling, her nephew Lefty Holman and Dawson Hay – Eldridge’s niece Lily’s husband – in the saddle bronc riding, Clayton Biglow – married to Eldridge’s cousin Annie – in the bareback riding, and Clayton Sellars – married to Lefty’s sister Billie – in the bull riding. Her grandmother Rosita Marvel was originally part of Spanish-Basque Camarillos that settled in California on a land grant from Spain. The town of Camarillo, California, is named after that side of Eldridge’s family.

Her thick Western heritage has a significant influence on her designs today. “My mom had this love for fashion. She always encouraged me not to be afraid to stand out with what I wore and how I dressed. I grew up idolizing my mom and my grandmother. And I get a lot of my style from them. But I think a lot of our style and a lot of what they’ve taught me is that it always circles back to the roots of the American cowboy,” Eldridge remarked.

Many of the Rodeo Quincy collections have direct ties to her family. This year, the company will have a multitude of new collections and updates to some of their most popular lines. In the spring, Rodeo Quincy is dropping their latest line, Camarillo Cowboy. The inspiration for this collection comes from her grandmother Rosita’s California vaqueros heritage. All of the pieces are named after members of the Camarillo family tree. The compilation will include a mixed media of their classic printed graphics with statement embroidery, delicate sequins and lovely lace. The collection is the perfect transition from spring to summer with articles like t-shirt dresses and denim shorts with airy chambray fabric. Their signature roses are sprinkled throughout the line with stunning pastel colors and heavy Spanish influence.

Independence Day will bring another new collection honoring Eldridge’s father’s lineage, Rancho Freeman. Additions to the Gilded Lily collection will come about in August of this year. In September, the signature Marvel Cowboy—named after Eldridge’s mother’s clothing company from the 80s—will continue to expand the compilation. Fashionistas will be able to shop their NFR looks from the Rhinestone Cowboy collection in October. The ongoing PRCA x RQ line will make a comeback in November.

As Rodeo Quincy continues to expand, their clothing will continue to tell the story of faith and family through fashion.

Eldridge affirmed, “It’s more than clothes; it’s our legacy that we want to live on for generations to come.”

 

            In the daring world of fashion, Western fashion influencer and stunt woman Cara Smith has a style everyone can’t help but fall for. The content creator found her stride in 2022 after a stunt injury left her sidelined from work. During that time, Smith began to dabble with video creation by styling Western outfits. During the following six months of recovery, TikTok became her creative outlet. Her page @tx_cara grew quickly as she became the bridge between those new to the Western fashion scene and those born in the industry. Between Instagram and TikTok, she has over 400,000 people watching her styling advice and outfits.

“I want to share outfits that inspire people to find their own way in fashion through what I share,” Smith said.

Daring to Do it

While growing up in the Lone Star State, Smith never considered herself a part of the Western industry. It was her love for the performing arts that slowly led her toward Western fashion content creation. Smith originally studied theatre at the University of Texas in Austin. It was there that her eyes were opened to Western fashion by her friends and classmates. After graduating, Smith started building her career as an actress and singer. She lived in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and even on cruise ships traveling the world. Smith’s excursions opened her eyes to a multitude of styles from different shores.

In 2018, Smith moved to the City of Angels, where she worked at Disneyland. Her time at the Happiest Place on Earth unlocked the opportunity for Smith to delve into stunt work. She went from portraying Belle for meet-and-greets to battling it out in a live-stage show as Marvel’s Black Widow. The 31-year-old’s background in competitive dance allowed her the ability to quickly pick up the sudden and fluent movements of stunt fighting. Smith recalled, “I just started to learn and train and network and then started working. I was still pursuing acting and still am. I started to just find my way in stunts because there are some people who are all-around stunt men and stunt women. They do fights and weapons and fire and driving and all the different things, but that didn’t quite feel like me. So, I just kind of found my own way in it and found the things that I specialized in.” As a stunt woman, she developed strong skills in fight choreography, falls, and wire work.

For Smith, the stunts that she enjoys the most are the ones that burn her brain with challenges. Feats like being set on fire caused her to have to take control and calm her overthinking mind. This taught her how to turn off the noise in her head – the what-ifs that can follow the fight-or-flight response – in order to safely and effectively complete the hot task at hand.

“There’s a lot to consider. Being clear-headed and focused and being able to manage your mind is of utmost importance,” she declared.

 

Fashion with a Kick

Working on various film and theatre projects, Smith also learned the technical side of the industry – what makes visually alluring videos. “I know how to move in front of a camera; I know angles; I know how to find my light, and that’s all from my theater background and my film training. I know how to tell a story and that’s what I feel like I do in my videos,” Smith said.

As someone who wasn’t born and raised in the Western industry, Smith’s goal is “to connect girls who are not in the Western world at all, who are interested in dipping their toe into that fashion or that world. I really try to be that bridge in between.” When creating outfits, she pulls influence from different styles to keep looks versatile. Statement pieces like cowboy boots, turquoise jewelry or a cowboy hat can add a little bit of Western flair to a look without it being overpowering for someone still new to the style.

Overall, Smith strives to bridge the gap between those heavily engulfed in Western fashion and those looking to wade in. Many of the items used to create her outfits are linked on her Liketoknow.it or her Amazon storefront for those beginning their Western fashion journey. “There are some women that want to step into the Western fashion world right now, but they may not want to invest in a high quality, authentic piece because they don’t know if they if this is their fashion for the long term,” Smith said.

For those looking to delve deeper, she tries to showcase genuine, heirloom-level articles of clothing. Pieces like eye-catching jackets, quality shirts for layering, iconic denim or authentic leather items can create a multitude of classic, elegant outfits.

No matter where you’re at in your styling journey, there are some items that never lose their spark. Smith loves to incorporate different textures like suede, lace, or denim. She believes “a lot of the roots in Western fashion just don’t go out of style. I feel like Western fashion has its pillars of pieces and styles within it, and they don’t change, which is super cool. I feel like the styles change around it, but a lot of the pieces themselves stay consistent.”

When styling outfits, Smith looks back at history and different genres of fashion to inspire her. Playing with looks from various cultures and style categories helped her to build creative and unique looks. The simple techniques of layering, trying different textures and accessorizing can make a huge difference in the final outcome of the look, no matter where the inspiration comes from. “Any and all of those things are always a part of my outfits,” Smith said.

Regardless of where you come from or what your goal is with styling an outfit, Smith advises women to “stay authentic to yourself and just keep going because you’ll eventually find your groove and you’ll find your people.”

A year, a month, a week, a day, a minute—we often forget how quickly life can change. August 2023 was a whirlwind of trying to survive the unimaginable for the Montero family.

On Thursday, August 10th, it was like any other day. Trenten Montero was home with his wife, Maria, and their newborn son, Noah, getting ready to leave for Homedale, Idaho. At the Owyhee County Rodeo, Trenten got ready, talking with his friends behind the chutes. The NFR bareback rider had drawn Half Crow from Macza Pro Rodeo. He rode the horse for 79 points to end up second. That’s when an average day turned into the beginning of Trenten’s fight for life.

After the whistle, Half Crow jumped up, kicked to the side, and lost footing while Trenten tried to dismount. This was the catalyst to catastrophe. With his hand still in the riggin, the gravity of the fall of the horse and Trenten’s weight all collided. His riggin was driven into his chest. The impact caused a hemorrhaged aorta, a ruptured pancreas, a lacerated spleen, a fractured sternum and pelvis, a punctured lung, and broken ribs. Life-long friend Joe Harper was the first one in the arena when it happened, saying, “Trenten was the toughest human I have ever met. Regardless of the outcome, he always got down on one knee to pray after a ride. After the wreck, he got up and stumbled down to his knee. When he tried to get up and then stumbled again, I knew something was wrong.” Harper jumped over the back of the chutes and ran to his friend, helping to shoulder him out of the arena for EMTs to do a checkup & monitor him.

He opted for Maria to take him to the hospital when the bronc riding had started, and he still couldn’t catch his breath. The next twenty days at Saint Alphonsus Trauma Center in Boise brought excruciating times for Trenten, his family, and his friends. He suffered through over eleven surgeries. Maria said, “It was like being on the worst rollercoaster of my life. The doctors would come in telling us about another surgery that Trent needed and that the chance of survival was very low. They would try to find case studies, and most of the time, there were none.”

On August 30th, Trenten was scheduled to go into his 11th surgery, where they were going to have to remove more of his intestines. According to the family, when the surgeons opened him up, the necrosis was past the point of repair. They called friends and family to allow them to say their goodbyes over the phone. At the age of 31, Trenten went to be with the Lord, leaving behind his wife and newborn son. He is one of a few NFR cowboys to succumb to an in-arena injury since Lane Frost in 1989.

The series of events caused rodeo committees to ask what could’ve been done differently to prevent this from happening. We all know that in this sport, it’s not if injuries arise; it’s when and how bad. According to Professional Rodeo Athletic trainer Devin Dice, the common theme is that there needs to be qualified professionals who know and understand the risks of this very niche sport of rodeo on location in addition to the EMTs. He went on to say, “There are over 700 rodeos within the PRCA, and roughly 150 are covered by Justin Sports Medicine, with my company (Rodeo Sports Medicine) covering another 15 rodeos. There should be more than this for the safety and protection of the contestants.” Committees, like the Owyhee County Rodeo, have begun to do just that, bringing in experienced rodeo sports medicine professionals so when accidents do arise, they understand where the highest risk of injury came from.

Trenten had a larger-than-life personality. To know him was to love him. Whether it was dedication to the western way of life (ranching and rodeo alike), his zest for life, his kindness, his goofy demeanor, or his joyful faith, you were always drawn to this incredible man. No matter what kind of mood you were in, Trenten always made it his mission to make you smile. It was the type of joyful kindness that followed you around for the rest of the day. His joy and love for life will not be forgotten. This is why his loss has been felt so deeply by so many. Now, it is our job to continue his kindhearted legacy.

The loss of this wonderful man is felt throughout the world. Over 850 letters from all across the globe, Australia, Mexico, and Canada, were mailed to the Monteros, stating that they heard Trenten’s story and were praying for him. Since his passing, rodeo committees and contestants have found various ways to honor Trenten. On the final day of the 2023 Walla Walla Frontier Days (Walla Walla, WA), over $25,000 was donated in less than an hour by various patrons from the community that were in attendance at the rodeo. That money went to take care of Trenten’s family. Haley Proctor and the Ellensburg Rodeo (Ellensburg, WA) dedicated one of Haley’s trick-riding performances to him. The Jerome County Fair & Rodeo (Jerome, ID – where Trenten lived) and the Silver State Stampede (Elko, NV) have created awards in Trenten’s memory to go to a bareback rider each year at their rodeos. NFR bareback rider Mason Clements has led the charge, along with many of Trenten’s close friends, in building the Trenten Montero Foundation. Austin Foss, also an NFR bareback rider, put together a bareback riding and saddle bronc riding school, in conjunction with Legacy Pro Rodeo, to continue Trenten’s legacy. These are just a few of the many wonderful gestures people around the world have made to love on Trenten, his family, and his memory.

After the passing of his best friend, Joe Harper wrote a beautiful cowboy poem in remembrance of Trenten. Later that fall, he recorded the poem to be edited it into a video with music written and performed by Joe’s dad.

I apologize if today I can’t seem to see quite straight,
You see there’s a empty riggin sitting over there, resting on the gate,
A set of silver spurs hanging, that have some bronc-hair caught,
And I’m sorry if I’m so lost in broken-hearted thought-

 

There’s a set of bluish chaps that are folded up half neat,
And a hat that’s a little crumpled up from the afternoon heat,
The Nevada sky has lost some of its usual brightened hue,

There’s a little less color, and a lot more blue,

 

For our hero and our brother who’s no longer here,
A man without equal, Rodeo hand without fear.

Kind and gentle with a giants heart and movie star’s smile,
If you needed anything, he would drive at least a thousand miles,

 

Just to give you the shirt off his back and his last dollar.
He was the one behind the chutes giving you a encouraging holler,

A man who showed us how to unconditionally love,
With his Maria at his side and his God up above.

 

With A goofy grin and an unforgettable swagger, he walked,

He’d drive cross the country when the others baulked
At the broncs, they had drawn and entry fees bought,
He was Riding the ones that were ridden and the ones that were not.

 

He was a warrior that seemed to be of the unlikeliest sort,
A man who cared more about his buddies than just the love of the sport.
And Even when it put him 500 miles out of his way,
If you called him up he’d be there with in the day.

 

We had to say farewell to our hero a little too soon,
With saddened hearts and mournful, lonely tune,

You see he got the callback to a rodeo that’s a lot higher than down here on earth,
Where horses have wings, the entries are paid, and the final Judge has already proven his worth.

This month marks one year since we lost Trenten. While it is always the loss of the best cowboys that causes us to wonder why they are taken from us so soon, we find ways to keep their memories alive, seeing them in the little things in life, sending up a grateful prayer for the time that we had with them, and, in this case, asking how we can be more like Trenten.•