Trey Benton III is a seven-time National Finals Rodeo bull rider and although the 2024 PRCA season did not go his way as a whole, the Texsa cowboy cashed in big at the first ever San Diego Rodeo. But, after welcoming his second son, rodeo looks a little different for Benton.
“You know, I used to have such an extreme attitude towards things when I was younger. I was such a winner and stuff so when it didn’t pan out the way I wanted, I didn’t like it too much. But now, it’s just a blessing to be able to do it. It’s a blessing to be able to support my family riding bulls and doing what I love,” Benton said.
One year ago, in California, it would be an 89.5-point ride, the only qualified ride of the Four-Man Round, that would earn Benton the first title of San Diego Rodeo.
“Things were a little slim financially and I had went out there on a limb. Gillian Grant had called me and I was like yeah, heck, I’ll go out there. Yyou know, pays $25,000 to win it, yeah I could use the money. And then, you know, the more I thought about it I was like man, I need to go out there and then sure enough, I was the only one to ride in the Four-Man and it was almost like, you know, it just was my weekend,” he said.
Benton said this win set his whole 2024 year off and he made a living doing what he loves.
The atmosphere in Petco Park brought the same kind of energy that Benton says he has at RodeoHouston or San Antonio, where you show up and show out. It is an atomsphere that he will return to looking to become a two-time San Diego Rodeo Champion.
