Last year at the National Finals Rodeo I met a great family. I had heard of their organization but what I did not realize is that the driving force behind Dare To Be A Cowboy was 17 year old Hannah-Beth Tems. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not impressed by disingenuous people. Over the years I have met quite a few famous people- actors, athletes, musicians. The only thing that ever impresses me is if I see a genuine connection and appreciation for the people that allow them their “status”. I remember sitting down on an empty stage at the MGM and listening to Hannah and her mom talk about the needs that they were trying to fill and thinking wow what a great way to give back. Most impressive is that their mission is not for personal gain, but truly to help others. DTBAC tagline IT IS TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND LEAVE A LEGACY IN THE WORLD OF RODEO!
I had the opportunity to interview Hannah-Beth. Prepare to be impressed
cSc: How old are you?
HBT: I am 17 years old and about to enter my freshman year of college.
cSc: I know you started this because of a need that hit close to home with your friend, but before that had you noticed among young people your age people who should have been involved but were not because they could not afford the fees, equipment, access?
HBT: Absolutely. But at the time I didn’t necessarily realize it. My friend was the one that opened my eyes to all the kids that weren’t able to get into this sport. After that, I just noticed more and more. It was definitely a God sent message, and I’m glad he shook me up to notice this “issue”.
cSc: I met you guys at NFR2014 did you make a lot of good contacts there?
HBT: NFR 2014 was such a fun experience for my family and I. Not only did we get to spend some quality family time together, but we also got to talk to a lot of business officials and people that wanted to hear about Dare To Be A Cowboy. We networked a lot and just had an all around great time! We are really looking forward to NFR 2015- big things to come!!
cSc: What professional athletes are involved in your cause?
HBT: We are so blessed to have these professional athletes join the DTBAC cause and be spokespeople for our mission. In the Barrel Racing we have Trula Churchill and Kassidy Dennison. In the Saddle Bronc Riding we have Jace Angus, Dylan Henson, and Jesse James Kirby. In the team roping, we have Dakota Shipp. In the PBR, we have Zane Cook. We also have professional rodeo clown JJ Harrison and professional bull fighter Erick Schwindt, And then we have proffessional pick-up men, Bobby Marriott, Jeff Shearer, Matt Twitchell.
cSc: How many young arena athletes do you think you have helped so far?
HBT: I believe we have helped well over 100 kids. Between the clinics, individual teachings, and item assistance, we have had the opportunity to help a lot of youth achieve their dreams of becoming a cowboy or cowgirl. DTBAC is working hard and looking forward to help many more kids in the near future!
cSc: What kind of assistance are you providing?
HBT: The assistance that we provide varies with every nomination. The nominee or nominator will send in an application that includes specification of what they need in order to make their dreams come true. The Dare To Be A Cowboy board then takes this information and sees what we can do to help.
cSc: How far away have you been able to help?
HBT: Dare To Be A Cowboy is an international company. We have helped kids local to me, to Pennsylvania, to Texas, to even Australia!
cSc: Who is on your board? How did they get selected?
HBT: Our executive board members include- Michelle Tems, Ray Tems, Carrie Ann Rogers, Ty Rogers, and myself. These members have been with DTBAC since the very beginning. If anyone would like to be involved with us, we have a volunteer application on our website! (www.daretobeacowboy.com)
cSc: Is there anything in the industry you would like to see changed that would impact rodeo youth?
HBT: I love rodeo because of the environment, I believe that the sport that we all know and love proves itself to us everyday. This is what I want to share with the youth that dream to become a part of this rodeo “family”. I want to prove to them that we are all a family and that the undeniable amount of support and love that surrounds it is truly incredible. There isn’t another sport like it.
The only thing that I would like to see change and evolve is I want to make it more realistic for potential professionals to make a living off of this sport. Even the best of the best are often forced to quit because of the expenses. I believe that the more that rodeo is broadcasted and magnified that it will evolve to become more realistic. And one way I can help with that is by spreading the word of rodeo around the world.
cSc: Which events do you compete?
HBT: I compete in the breakaway, goat tying, and barrel racing.
cSc: Are you going to compete professionally as a career?
HBT: I have always dreamed about becoming a professional athlete in rodeo and am thankful that it looks more and more realistic every day. My goal is to win one world championship in every WPRA event before I retire.
cSc: How many animals do you have?
HBT: Oh that’s a hard question! I think that I have around too many! My family and I have horses, chickens, goats, and our dog, Maggie. I love all of my horses, goats and Maggie… but I have a love/hate relationship with our chickens.
cSc: Who is your favorite Rodeo Athlete?
HBT: That’s a really hard one. I honestly think that today’s professional rodeo athletes are setting such an incredible example for the viewers. I think that my “favorite” athlete as of right now is Wade Sundell. I really love his attitude and how real he is even in the spotlight.
cSc: How are you getting the word out about DTBAC? How can those interested help and get involved?
HBT: One thing that I love about Dare To Be A Cowboy is that it is a company that speaks and runs itself. There is no way that just my little family and I could have made it as big as it is today. I am so thankful for how big it has gotten and love to watch it grow and touch hearts throughout the world. We are on social media!
Website: http://www.daretobeacowboy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/daretobeacowboy
Instagram: @dare_to_be_a_cowboy
Twitter: @daretobeacowboy
For anyone that would like to become a volunteer for us, we have a volunteer application on the website!
cSc: Where do you see the future of rodeo? In 5 years? In 10 years?
HBT: Ever since I have started, I have heard that rodeo is a “dying sport”. My goal (through Dare To Be A Cowboy) is to revive the sport. I plan on opening up the sport to outside audiences that would never think to be involved. I believe that this is the way that can grow. There are so many children out in the world that watch movies and TV that dream about being a cowboy/cowgirl. Unfortunately, those children never get to reach those dreams. I believe that if enough people that are in the rodeo industry open their arms to those that dream about being in their position, then the sport will grow. I want rodeo to be a revived sport with sold out stadiums and involved/dedicated fans. I know that one way that I can contribute to this is by helping the contestant numbers.
cSc: Will I see you at the NFR this year?
HBT: We will definitely be at the NFR this year! We have some awesome things planned and are really looking forward to it!
cSc: Anything else you would like to share?
HBT: I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has supported Dare To Be A Cowboy and myself throughout this crazy journey of ours. It means so much to know that we have the support behind us- it keeps us waking up motivated every day! So from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.
cSc: Thank you Hannah-Beth for taking the time to speak with us. You are impressive.
Go to http://www.DareToBeACowboy.com and you can help Hannah-Beth fulfill her mission by purchasing some really amazing items or making a donation. I happily wear a DTBAC patch on my rodeo shirt.
Yes, We Rodeo Big in the North! But there are some pretty impressive folks all over!
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @cowgirl19114
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