story by Lindsay King
In the midst of what TR Frost considers her worst rodeo season thus far, she is simply thankful for the opportunity to compete and humbled by the support from her family and sponsors: Curicyn; Fast Back Ropes; Kimes Ranch Jeans; American Hat; DM Cattle Company; and Cecil’s Diesel. “My goal for this season is just to make my sponsors proud, because there is no way I could be where I am without them. I want to get up as high as I can in the standings as possible and just keep practicing so next year will be even better,” said the Muleshoe, Texas, native. Until the last few rodeos of the season, TR had not seen the top ten in the breakaway. She ended up taking third in the first round of state finals and ended the season in ninth place after the dust settled.
TR is new to the NMHSRA after competing in Arizona her entire life. She first started in the AJRA at 9 years old. The now 18-year-old was the AHSRA president last year before the family moved. “I ran as a freshman and everyone told me I wouldn’t win, but I did so that was neat.” She is now the breakaway director for the NMHSRA. She used to compete in everything from barrels and poles to ribbons, but now just ropes calves, ties goats and heads when she is needed. “I didn’t end up with a team roping partner this year, so for now I am just filling in for Trent Wood after he broke his leg.”
Her dad (Harvey) has team roped his entire life and is the single greatest influence in TR’s life. He is always teaching TR new tricks and encouraging her. “He is battling cancer and most people would not know that about him. It has never been about him, it has always been about his family. He has sacrificed a lot for us and he is a great example of being dedicated to the western way of life and his family.” TR follows in her father’s footsteps in attitude and work ethic. Last year she received the spirit award. “To my understanding it is given to someone who embodies rodeo and the western way of life no matter where they. They are a good person and always set an example.”
The hills and valleys that life took TR through only showed her that a road block doesn’t exist that she can’t get around. As the AHSRA president, she quickly learned the whole story is never on the surface of each passing face. “I don’t learn like other people and I felt like I wasn’t filling the role as president like I needed to. I tried to resign but the association president (Jack Assini) told me not to quit and encouraged me. He is a lawyer and now a supreme court judge.” This high school junior has learned to adapt and overcome. She has applied this in all areas of life, but most recently in the breakaway pen.
“I have never had the chance to rope a lot of live calves before. I usually just stand on a box in the yard and rope a sawhorse. I practice every day but it still isn’t the same as getting to rope live calves.” TR’s aunt and uncle live only eight miles down the road and they have an arena that accommodates calves. The Wood family also lets TR practice in their arena. “I like that everything runs smoothly at the high school rodeos. It is nice to go to a rodeo and do what you are supposed to do with people that are just as grateful as you are to be there. At the end of the day I am blessed far beyond what I deserve.”
