Three-time World Champion Wesley Thorp is donating a brand-new John Deere Gator to be auctioned off at the 2025 Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) Cowboy Auction, with proceeds benefiting three causes close to his heart: the Golden Circle of Champions, the Live Like Ace Foundation, and the 2026 World Youth Team Roping Championships.
Thorp earned the Gator as high-point roper at the World Youth Team Roping Championships. Ropers had to attend both the Live Like Ace Foundation Roping and the WYTRC to qualify to win.
Rather than keep the prize, Thorp immediately chose to donate it.
“With the Feist coming up the following week, it made perfect sense to involve the entire team roping community,” Thorp said. “We wanted a way to give back, and the timing couldn’t have been any better. The BFI team stepped up right away to help us make this happen.”
As a bonus, the winning bidder on the Gator will receive in-arena signage at the 2026 Live Like Ace Foundation Roping, the World Youth Team Roping Championship and throughout BFI Week.
“This gives us a way to publicly thank the individual or business who steps up to help the kids and families these charities support,” said Tyler Wade, Thorp’s two-time world champion partner and co-owner of WYTRC.
The Gator model being auctioned is a John Deere XUV590M S4, valued at $17,999. It will sell third in the Cowboy Auction, following the auction of team entries and the Priefert BFI Chute.
Bidding will be available both in-person and online. The Cowboy Auction begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Edmond, Oklahoma. Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m. prior to the live auction.
“I just think it’s the coolest concept—where the money’s going and what it’s going to give,” said Troy Ashford, father of Ace Ashford, who passed away in a cowboying accident on August 12, 2024. “I believe wholeheartedly that there’s a movement in the Western industry right now of Jesus Christ being in people’s lives. We don’t know what tomorrow brings, but we know these things—these tragedies—show us where we need to be. And we need to put God first.”
About the World Youth Team Roping Championships: Founded in 2024 by Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp, the World Youth Team Roping Championships gives youth ropers a place to test their skills against the best in the world, to rope with the leading ropers in the professional ranks and to network with sponsors and industry professionals. The event promises affordable ropings, formats for every level of roper and a family-friendly environment, all in the Cowboy Capital of the World in Stephenville, Texas.
About the Bob Feist Invitational: Established in 1977 by renowned rodeo promoter Bob Feist, the Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) has become the most prestigious event in team roping, showcasing the sport’s top talent and equine athletes. Now owned by Ullman-Peterson Productions and held annually at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, the six-steer, 100% payback event is the highlight of Wrangler BFI Week, a seven-day celebration of team roping that includes a variety of ropings such as the Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl Team Roping, Hooey Junior Championships, and Over-40 competitions. With total payouts surpassing $4 million, BFI Week attracts thousands of teams and fans, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the team roping community.
About the Golden Circle of Champions: Golden Circle of Champions is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Founded in 2016 in partnership with the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo, the organization honors children battling life-threatening illnesses by pairing them with professional rodeo athletes during events like the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Through donations and fundraising efforts, Golden Circle of Champions assists families with urgent needs such as paying bills and purchasing medicine.
About the Live Like Ace Foundation: The Live Like Ace Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to honoring the legacy of Ace Ashford by supporting individuals and families within the Western and rodeo communities during times of need. Established to embody Ace’s compassionate spirit, the foundation provides assistance through scholarships and aid to those facing unforeseen tragedies. By fostering a supportive network, the Live Like Ace Foundation aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.
