Taylor Manning - CFR50
Taylor Manning returns to Edmonton for the Canadian Finals Rodeo. CFR50 is her SEVENTH CFR qualification, and at twenty years young, she is a veteran among the pack of fierce barrel racing competitors.
In the 2024 season she competed at 42 rodeos, winning $32,860.07 aboard Little Sexcee Cowboy and A French Nick. She won Coleman, Taber, and Merritt, and consistently placed throughout the year.
This interview is presented by 1Y Quarter Horses, raising your next winner!
What is it that makes your horse so special to you?
Bling, I think she will always be my heart horse. She is confident, always is trying and I just love her! Archie, I love how easy going he is to be around. Greets me with a whiny every time he sees me. Ozona, is very talented, but I think the best part about him is how he will each me patience, as he is more of a sensitive horse.
What has been your most memorable run in 2024, and what made it memorable for you?
My most memorable run would be the 3rd round at Calgary Stampede on Bling. She had worked amazing for me, and had qualified me back for the top 12 on Sunday. We had been working on some things, and it felt like everything had come together! Again, I just love the try Bling has.
What was different about your rodeo season this year compared to last year or other seasons?
I had moved to Ponoka this year. Jessie and Allan Vandenbroek welcomed me to their home, and it’s been a great summer here. Great area for jackpotting and rodeoing.
Did you face any challenges this season? Tell us about them.
My biggest challenge is that Bling got a bone bruise in July. I really relied on her and I struggled a bit with seasoning Ozona. It was almost hard for me to mentally accept that she was gonna be off for 4-6 months. Ozona had stepped up, but I expected him to be as easy as Bling. So it was a lot of learning and trying to be patient. It was also hard to not have such high expectations after having a horse like Bling. But in the end, I’m hoping I learned lots from Ozona, and am super happy with him. And Bling will be back.
Tell the readers something good that happened to you this season, other than placing at, or winning a rodeo.
It hasn’t happened yet, but I get to go to Texas this winter. I’m super excited and cant wait to go and learn. I love going to the states.
Who is your travelling partner, and what do you enjoy most about travelling with them?
Jennifer Neudorf. My favourite thing is she can make any situation funny or positive! Also, I think we are a good mix, as I’m a bit more strict in some ways, and she’s more relaxed. We balance each other out.
What is the best advice you’d give to readers, about horses and or competing?
To always love and be happy with your horses. You never know what can happen. I also think having an open mind and always trying to learn is a good thing.
Favourite Canadian rodeo this year, and why?
The Calgary Stampede. The atmosphere, and getting to compete with some of the best barrel racers was amazing. It was also fun getting to run in front of such a big crowd, and any run on Bling is an amazing time to me.
Which of the other CFR Qualifiers horses would you swing a leg over if given the chance, and why?
I love Karli Cowies horse Fling. She looks like shes so gritty and has such a big heart!
What can you or your horse not live without on the road?
The two things I cannot live without is Red Bull and my dog, Lady.
You have qualified to the CFR SEVEN times now and on different horses; what would you say is the key to your success over the years?
That I’m extremely lucky. I have had the best support from family, friends and sponsors. Wouldn’t be anywhere without them. I got to learn from the best (Rayel Little, and Shelly Manning) and got to ride amazing horses growing up!
Do you have plans of heading south this winter? If so, what does this look like for you, where do you plan on entering?
Yes. I plan on going to Texas this winter! I have a couple futurity horses and will be training colts.
Do you have any up and coming prospects, and or, what do you look for in a prospect that you could share a little about with readers?
I have a 4 year old Slick by Design out of a Lion share of Fame mare! I also have a Guys Casanova Cowboy out of a Dash Ta Fame mare that is a full to Brandy McPhee’s futurity horse for this year! Im also excited for my 3 years olds coming up! I like more confident horses, and horses that have the willingness to want to learn! The thing I love about Bling is how confident she is.
What was one thing a committee did this year that you appreciated the most.
Lethbridge tried to make their ground amazing. They brought in ground and good equipment. To me they really tried to insure the safety for our horses. I really liked how it didn’t matter whether you were in a perf or slack to have a chance to get paid. It was very even throughout
Who is your inspiration or mentor and why?
Rayel Little will always be my #1 mentor. Her horsemanship is amazing, I love how broke she can get a horse, and how kind of a person she is. I strive to be like her one day. Another mentor is Jolene Montgomery, I also love her training style. I’ve heard many stories about how dedicated and hard working she is.
What is your advice for someone who wants to take a shot at making the Canadian Finals Rodeo?
Take one run at a time. Rodeoing can be hard, so don’t let the lows get you down.
Thanks to my amazing sponsors! Frontier Western Shop, Back On Track Canada, Vault Construction, Anchor C Performance Horses, Vetline Equine Canada, RenoVo AmnionSolutions, and Zesterra by Pro Earth Animal Health.
