Trey Yates is a third-generation Colorado rancher and team roper.
Trey’s dad, J.D. Yates, qualified for the NFR 21 times, at 15 of which J.D. team roped with his father, Dick Yates.
Trey likewise began his ProRodeo career roping with his dad, and nowadays, all three Yates men can often be found in the practice pen together on their family ranch in Pueblo, Colorado.
Of his son and grandson, Dick says, “They’ve got so much talent that I’d rather watch them than rope with them.”
In 2018, Trey qualified for his first NFR, roping with world champion header Aaron Tsinigine, and won the average, placing in seven rounds and pocketing $129,308.
But, according to Trey, the highlight of his career has been watching his grandfather compete at the World Series of Team Roping at 81 years old.
“I’m just lucky, you know,” Trey says. “I grew up in a good family, inside and out of the arena, and to be able to carry on that legacy, I try to stand by that.”
“The roping, to me, is not that important,” J.D. says. “I want him to be a good person. The roping will take care of itself.”