Fundraising event to give portion to Montero Foundation
LAS VEGAS – Rodeo is not only wildly fascinating and action-packed; it’s driven by passion.
Cowboys play the game because of the rush they get and the people they meet. Bareback riders are the warriors, the men who wedge their specially designed gloves into a rigging that is strapped tightly to a bucking horse that issues pain on every jump and kick.
The men band together like a fraternity of sorts. They share a kindred spirit and a dream of winning rodeo’s most cherished trophy, a Montana Silversmiths gold buckle. Whether they’re from California or Quebec, they have a bond, one they enjoy together at rodeos across North America. They’re not just old friends; they’re part of a unique family of athletes.
Trenten Montero was a big part of that mix and shared that spirit with many others since he first set out in ProRodeo 11 seasons ago. Well-liked and gifted by God to do something he loved, Montero’s “goofy” nature was infectious. He died in August from injuries he suffered when a horse fell after a bareback ride, then rolled onto the cowboy. He was 31.
Fellow bareback rider Mason Clements and others came up with the idea of the Trenten Montero Foundation, which was founded to assist cowboys and their families that are affected by career-ending injuries or death. Money raised will be put toward families’ necessities at a time when they may be devastated with the situations that can come up.
The Cowboy Entrepreneur Foundation is conducting a fundraising at 7 p.m. Friday at the Westgate in Las Vegas in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo. Money raised during its “Straight From The Horse’s Mouth” singer/songwriter showcase will be divided among three charities: Trenten Montero Foundation, Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund and the Working Ranch Cowboy Association Crisis Fund.
“This is going to be a great event to help with funding for these groups, and we are thankful to be part of it,” said Clements, a four-time NFR qualifier from Spanish Fork, Utah. “All three of these foundations are pretty awesome.
“There are some pretty cool auction items that will be part of it. NFR average champions and world champions will be putting their chaps, their boots, their vests. Wyatt and Reagan Bloom have donated trips to Hawaii. Those shirts that all the bareback riders wore on Memorial Night to honor Trenten are going to get cleaned, and everyone’s going to sign them, and they’re going to up there. There are a handful of steer wrestlers that will sign their blue shirts and have them in the auction.”
The Trenten Montero Foundation has also enlisted in a QR code to help direct potential donors to its portal. All funds will be put toward the families that need them.
“I’ve got people asking me all the time where they can donate,” Clements said. “It’s their NFR chaps. It’s their NFR riggings. (Fellow bareback rider) Caleb Bennett is going to give one of his jackets, and we’re all going to sign that.
“That’s what rodeo is about, and how much we support each other. It’s going to great causes, and it’s going to be a heck of an event.”