Taylor Manning CFR 2022
At just eighteen years old, Taylor Manning is one of the veterans amongst the pack of barrel racers, having qualified for her fifth Canadian Finals Rodeo. After 42 rodeos, she cashed in $31,199.52, winning the Armstrong Tour finals round, Bonnyville and Regina. She finished second at Leduc, Strathmore and Sundre, third at Morris and Bruce, and finished fifth at Williams Lake and Dawson Creek.
What was your very first horses name, and what did you learn from this horse?
My first barrel horses was Tivio. The first two years I had him we ducked off or ran up the wall, barely getting a time at places. My sister would call him mean names for being bad and I would just cry and say how much I loved him and how special he was! I think he taught me how to be really humble from the start. Fast forward to a couple years in, he won us a couple peewee championships in the amateur rodeos.
Tell us about your 2022 season on the rodeo road, at the futurities and derbies, as well as winning the Runaway.
It was a very fun and busy season. We tried fitting in most of the rodeos with the futurities. I got to travel with Jennifer Neudorf almost the entire season. I was lucky enough to get to season Bling at the rodeos and futurities! She exceeded my expectations by a mile this summer. The week before the Runaway I ran Bling at a jackpot in the Calnash, where she ran a 17.1 with a knocked barrel. Before I made my run at the Runaway, I remember telling my mom that I didn’t care how Bling ran. We were going to go try our best, and we had to remember she was a five year old, and that whatever will happen, we will be happy with. She had already done so much for us before that run that I was just happy to get to run her.
When did you know that Bling was going to be a great one? What kind of quirks does Bling have?
I remember when we first got her I couldn’t stop taking pictures of her. I just loved her. She was super easy and fun to ride her three and four year old year. She made my dreams come true this summer, sometimes forgetting she was only five, and not a seasoned rodeo horse. She DOESNT have any quirks. She’s perfect in my eyes.. except when she leads me around, but I also let her. So if anyone thinks its her being bad, it’s really me. I’ve knocked a few barrels for some good money this summer which was again my fault, nothing is her fault, thats just how much I love this horse.
What has been your most memorable run from this year, and what made it memorable for you?
The most memorable run this year would have been Armstrong. You don’t really understand how crazy and electric the crowd is until you are there. Bling worked amazing there, running one of the fastest times. After I ran, I unsaddled her and packed her saddle back because I didn’t think she deserved to be saddled for as good as she worked. (It felt like it was a mile walk.)
What do you look for in a barrel racing prospect?
Usually the first thing I look at is their breeding. I still have a lot to learn about breeding, but find it so interesting. I also love horses that want to be in your pocket and that are super friendly.
What equine discipline would you ride in if you did not barrel race?
I honestly don’t know what I would do other than barrel race. But if I had to I think it would be cool to be a jockey and race horses. Also maybe reining. I think the speed of racing a horse would be fun but would love to feel the broke-ness of a reining horse.
What is your favourite memory from this years rodeo season?
There were a lot of amazing memories this summer, but I think my favourite memory would be when we went to BC. Armstrong is my favourite rodeo of the year and both Jen and I’s horses worked amazing! We got to ride everyday and then go to the lake after. It was like a vacation with the horses. After Armstrong we headed to Chilliwack for the futurity and derby. All of our horses worked great again. During the week, I got to visit my uncle, and my sister came down. We also got to go dinosaur fishing (sturgeon), which was an extraordinary experience.
Do you have any up and coming prospects you are excited about?
I have a four year old named Ozona that is by, As good As Nick Gets x Frenchmans Diggity. I love the way he feels and how natural he is. I also have a three year old named, Levin that is by Dinero x Little Levin Lucille. I got to run her dam, and she was one of the coolest horses I’ve gotten to run. I have a few younger ones and some client horses I’m very excited about as well.
What are your plans for 2023?
My plans for 2023 are to work on the younger horses and futurity more! I love the atmosphere around the futurities and the time spent with the horses. I’ll go down south for the winter and then come back up for the Canadian rodeos!
“I would like to thank my amazing sponsors for being with me the last five years. You’ve helped make my dreams come true and allowed me to do what I love. Thank you Frontier Western Shop, Back On Track Canada, Cross Country Pipelines, Hill Billy Hallows, Shayna Dyrland Equine Dentistry, and Buckeye Nutrition.”
