WHO WE ARE
Gus Trent Rodeo Association is dedicated to empowering youth by teaching them the values, skills, and traditions of rodeo. Our mission is to provide a positive, educational environment where young participants can learn and engage in a variety of rodeo events, including Barrel Racing, Tie Down Roping, Break Away Roping, Goat Tying, Steer Wrestling, Steer Undecorating, and Relay Racing. Through hands-on experience, we aim to foster confidence, discipline, and teamwork, while preserving the rich cultural heritage of rodeo. Our association is committed to creating opportunities for youth to excel, both in the arena and in life.
Meet the Team
At the Gus Trent Rodeo Association, we are more than just a group of passionate professionals—we are a dedicated family committed to preserving the rich tradition of rodeo while empowering the next generation of rodeo stars. Our team is united by a shared vision: to provide youth with the skills, confidence, and values that come from hands-on rodeo training and mentorship.
Each member of our team brings a unique set of talents, experiences, and a deep love for rodeo culture. From seasoned rodeo professionals to dedicated educators, we are proud to lead with expertise, compassion, and a strong sense of community. Get to know the people behind the scenes who make it all happen!
Founder
Gus Trent
Gus Trent was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When he was about eight years old, a neighbor who had horses in the country brought the horses to their neighborhood. He was totally mesmerized by what he saw and decided that one day he was going to be a Cowboy and have horses and a ranch of his own. Growing up was a little rough for him as he struggled in school and often found himself in trouble. He started playing midget league football at the age of 11. This helped improve his behavior but he still struggled with schoolwork.
Part of his struggle was the result of being labeled a troubled kid and once being told by a teacher he would never amount to anything. Although he had his challenges, he has always been determined to succeed. In his senior year of high school, he was recruited to play football at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. In 1987, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications and received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army through the ROTC program. Throughout his time in the Army, he served in The Persian Gulf War and two back-to-back tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He retired in 2016 at the rank of Colonel.
Board President
Reginald Williams
Reginald served for over 30 years in the U.S. Army retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He has commanded several aviation units at different levels and deployed to numerous Middle East Operations and Humanitarian Operations. Reginald was a Senior Army Aviator, holding pilot ratings in several military and civilian aircraft.
Reginald most recently served as the Chief Operation Officer for a Security, Development, and Consultant firm focusing in the Aviation, Defense, Security, and Communications sectors. He is currently working as a Strategic Planner for the Department of Defense, U.S. Central Command. Reginald is a member of several professional military, civic, and fraternal organizations, and works on several boards and educational foundations in various leadership positions.
Board Member/Ranch Assistant
Kaitlyn Shoemaker
Kaitlyn Shoemaker has been attending the Gus Trent Horse Ranch since 2015 when she was just 14 years old, taking lessons from Gus Trent and falling in love with horses and rodeo. At age 15, Kaitlyn began working at the ranch on the weekends while in school, helping out with farm chores and teaching trail riders of all ages how to safely work with the Gus Trent horses. After graduating high school, Kaitlyn attended Florida State University, earning her bachelor’s degrees in both History and Criminology.
While away from the Gus Trent Horse Ranch, she still involved herself in the horse world through training with the FSU Western Equestrian Team in the reining and ranch riding disciplines and taking riding lessons at various farms in the Tallahassee area. Upon graduating from FSU in 2023, Kaitlyn began her career with the Florida Department of Corrections working in the Office of Inspector General's Records Unit, and continues to volunteer her time at the ranch, spending time with the horses that started her passion nearly ten years ago.
Social Media Manager
Madison Ware
Madison Ware is a dedicated professional hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A proud
graduate of Duquesne University, she furthered her education with a Master of Science degree
from West Virginia University. Currently, Madison contributes her expertise to the Department
of Public Safety for the City of Pittsburgh, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring community
safety.
With a diverse background encompassing the event service industry and the non-profit sector,
Madison brings a wealth of experience to her current role. Her position as a social media
manager for the Gus Trent Horse Ranch highlights her skills in communication and digital
engagement.
Passionate about giving back to her community, Madison is committed to leveraging her skills
and experiences to make a positive impact wherever life takes her. Her dedication to public
service and community involvement exemplifies her unwavering commitment to improving the
lives of those around her.
Corey Jackson Horsemanship and Jackson Rodeo Crew
Corey Jackson
Corey has spent the last 27yrs as a professional horseman. His foundations are grounded in horsemanship, colt stating, and working with problem horses. Horses and the western lifestyle is a family affair for him and is family, known as the Jackson Rodeo Crew, they travel the country completing in the biggest youth and professional rodeos such as the National High School Finals Rodeo, National Junior High School Finals Rodeo, The Yeti Junior World Finals, The CINCH World Championship Junior Rodeo, Bull Teams events, and The SEBRA National Championship.
As a Dad Coach, Corey teaches and prepares his kids for competition and their success is shown nationwide. Corey and his wife Robyn and kids Robert, Nic, Ryan, Reagan, and Dylan live on their family farm in Upper Marlboro Maryland.
Board Member
Rose Murphy
Rose Murphy is a native Floridian. She has been employed in state government for over 38 years and specializes in recruitment, position classifications, and budget management. She serves in the youth ministry at her church. Rose has assisted at several
Gus Trent Rodeos and events at the ranch. She also assists with caring for the horses at the ranch. Rose is passionate about interior decorating and enjoys reading and learning about the latest trends in interior home improvement.
Treasurer
Linda Ware
Linda Ware is a native Floridian and has worked closely with Gus Trent for over twelve years. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s
degree in Business Administration from The University of South Florida.
Linda has worked in the insurance industry for over 35 years specializing in personal injury claims. She enjoys traveling and going to concerts in her
spare time.
Board Member
Christine Harris
Dr. Christine Harris is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in Florida, including significant roles with the Department of Education Orange County Public Schools and Hillsborough County. As a current principal, she is passionate about promoting literacy and learning within the community. When not working, Dr. Harris enjoys spending time with her husband, filled with shows, barbecues, and boating adventures.
Board Member
Thay J. (TJ) Humes
Joined the United States Air Force and earned a degree in electronics. While that was not his passion for a future career, after a 4-year enlistment he went on to join the Atlanta Police Department.
After a long career in law enforcement with APD, he transitioned to the Clarkston Georgia Police Department Air Unit, becoming the first African American Police Helicopter Pilot for the department.
With aviation experience he returned to the US. Department of Defense as a contracted helicopter pilot, flying support in Afghanistan for almost 3-years. As he continued to wind down his aviation career, he started managing and flying contract aviation projects for many different private entities.
During his military, law enforcement and aviation days, he always had a strong faith in God and passion for the love of family and horses. He now resides in Georgia with his wife and kids.
Board Member
Tom Tatum
Thomas A. Tatum is an accomplished urban planner and community leader with a career spanning over three decades. Born in the Bedford- Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, he graduated from Clark College (now Clark-Atlanta University). Upon his graduation from Clark, he was selected as a Teaching Mission Intern at the Africa Literature Centre in Kitwe, Zambia. In 1991, Thomas then graduated from the University of Akron with a master’s in urban planning.
Since 1989, Mr. Tatum has been an employee of the City of Akron, Ohio, serving in multiple positions including the Division Manager for the Department of Neighborhood Services and the Housing Rehabilitation Senior City Planner. Recently, he was appointed Director of Planning and Urban Development. He has since retired from the City of Akron in late 2023 to pursue new opportunities.
Mr. Tatum has contributed extensively to community development, project planning, and leadership roles, including serving on various boards such as Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc., Headquarters Commission Chairman and the Summit County Abandoned & Vacant Property Task Force. He also co-produced the PBS Emmy-winning documentary "An Answer from Akron"; which highlights Alpha Phi Alpha Homes' history. He also serves as the Executive Advisor for Community Development Advisor to the General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Willis W. Lonzer III. In 2018, he was Chairman for the 2018 Development, Revitalization and Private Public Partnership Conference in Akron. Additionally,
he served on the National Alumni Board for the University of Akron. Mr. Tatum has served as the Chairman for the Board of the Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning Organization (NEFCO). Mr. Tatum currently serves as an Advisor to the Akron Realtists Association and as a Board member for the Development Fund of the Western Reserve.