The Yates family has built a lasting legacy in the sport of team roping, and they’re giving Roping.com a look into the program that has produced three generations of Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifiers.

Dick Yates qualified for 13 NFRs with his son J.D. in the 1970s and 1980s and, since then, he’s won hundreds of thousands of dollars competing at every level of team roping. Alongside J.D. and grandson Trey, the Yates family patriarch has helped make some of the best rope horses in the industry.

J.D. Yates made his first NFR in 1975 when he was 15 years old, making him the youngest team roper to ever compete at the NFR. He has since competed at 21 NFRs, won nearly 50 AQHA World Championships, as well as numerous American Rope Horse Futurity Association world titles and a Royal Crown championship. 

Trey Yates, J.D.’s son, won his first AQHA world title in 2021 and is a three-time NFR heeler. In 2018, he finished third in the PRCA world standings after winning the average title with fellow three-time qualifier Aaron Tsinigine.

In the new, exclusive series, Roping.com members can watch Grandpa Dick, J.D. and Trey work through horses young and old, as well as preparing up-and-coming futurity mounts. They also give tips for creating the correct swing, scoring and facing. Every roper at every level can benefit from this inside look at the Yates’ program. 

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