The Chester A. Reynolds Award was established in 1990, and is named in honor of the founder of the Museum.
It is presented to a living honoree or group that has notably perpetuated the legacy of the American West through one or a combination of the following:
- Dedicated to or promotion of the ideals of individualism, honesty, humility and integrity that are closely identified with the American West
- A distinguished life’s work as a rancher, cowboy, or ranch hand
- Leadership within professions or businesses that define themselves through their strong connection with the American West
The Award seeks to recognize individuals or groups who have demonstrated, through a single remarkable achievement or body of quality of work over a period of years, unwavering commitment to Western ideals and values.
“This special evening represents the highest echelon for Western songwriters, authors, entertainers, artists, and promoters,” said Chief Financial Officer and Interim President and CEO Gary Moore. “Each honoree embraces elements that embody the Western character, helping to make the region vastly dynamic and part of our national and, in fact, continental character.”
Trotter was presented with The Wrangler, an impressive bronze sculpture of a cowboy on horseback created by artist Harold T. Holden, also a 2017 Hall of Great Westerners inductee.
In 2015, Trotter was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Trotter, who was AQHA’s President in 2014, is the CEO of Livestock Investors LLT and owns Bar G Feedyard. His involvement in the American Quarter Horse industry is focused on racing, roping and horses used for ranch work and breeding. He is an avid team roper and participates in numerous ropings, including the World Series of Team Roping.
Trotter is very involved in his local community, having served on the West Texas A&M University Foundation, West Texas A&M University Alumni Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He is a former member of the Texas Cattle Feeders board of directors and was the 2006 recipient of the Tri-State Fair Western Heritage Award.
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