Cowboys and Cowgirls Unite: Rallying Together in Times of Tragedy
Tragedy strikes, and unfortunately, it happens nearly every day. One thing is clear and always has been: when difficult situations arise in the Western world, cowboys and cowgirls are the first ones to offer a helping hand. In the face of tragedy, the Western world once again demonstrates the timeless values of solidarity, compassion, and resilience.
On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the team roping world felt the sting of a family hurting. After attending a roping jackpot in Arizona, Leigh and Cole Sherwood were headed home in her car with husband and father, Steve Sherwood, shortly behind them with the horses and rig. An oncoming truck swerved into Leigh and Cole's lane and hit them head-on.
With Steve being just minutes behind, he came upon the wreck before paramedics had even arrived and helped get them out of the car.
Both Leigh and Cole suffered serious injuries and were life-flighted from the scene. They have endured several surgeries, and according to posts by sister Cheyenne Blackmore and Steve, both are making progress toward recovery but have a long road ahead.
Cole and Leigh Sherwood.
The family has thanked everyone for their support, calls, texts, and prayers. Much of the team roping world immediately went to work to support the family in need.
The Title Fights were set to occur at Rancho Rio, and on Saturday, Feb. 17, the producer hosted a Calcutta with all of the proceeds going to the Sherwood family.
On Friday, ropers were attending the Western Horseman Sunshine Classic Legacy #10.5, and during the awards ceremony, long-time rodeo and roping star Tammy Ellerman won a Heel-O-Matic Drifter. She immediately opened her heart and gave the award back to be auctioned off with the proceeds to benefit the Sherwoods. The gesture raised over $3,100 for the family.
In the bucking bull world, tragedy has hit very close to home with Texas-based bucking bull breeder Tyler Shelstad. Nearly a month ago, Shelstad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer.
The Shelstad family.
In true cowboy fashion, he immediately stated that he would take it head-on and beat it. He is in the fight of his life currently.
The community rose up and has made incredible efforts to help him and his family. A benefit auction has been set up and can be seen on Bucking Stock News on Facebook. Another individual has offered the choice of two different bucking stock heifers, with the proceeds going to the family. A raffle for a 2-night, 3-day horseback pack fishing trip is being offered, and an incredible 2003 Low Blow Chopper was donated, with 100% of the proceeds going to Tyler.
In a time when it is easy to question the world, and many people's motives, the cowboys and cowgirls bring us all back to a reality of taking care of each other. As we navigate the challenges of life on the range and beyond, let us draw inspiration from the cowboy way—a way of life built on compassion, courage, and unwavering solidarity.
