Taylor Flewelling CFR 2022
Headed to her second Canadian Finals Rodeo, with $16,103.94 pocketed in the 2022 season, just $1,675.85 behind the number one spot, is Taylor Flewelling.
This year Flewelling won Coleman, Cranbrook, Kennedy, Coronation, and split 1/2 at Grimshaw. Taylor kept stats on herself this year and she placed at 53% of the rodeos she entered.
Taylor is a first generation cowgirl. She always loved horses and started barrel racing at local rodeos. Eventually moving to the junior rodeos where she wanted to compete in every event, which led her to find a rope in her hand.
What is your main mounts registered name, bloodlines and does he have any quirks?
My horse’s name is Smart Tallic, barn name Chance. He’s by Metallic Cat and out of a High Brow Hickory mare. He is super goofy and kind and makes me laugh all the time. He definitely has some quirks, the main one being that he can be a little tricky in the box. I can usually get by him alright though and he really scores, runs, and stops so that makes up it.
What is your horses story?
I bought him as a four year old sight unseen (hence the name Chance) at a ranch horse sale in Amarillo. I had seen videos of him and his papers and thought he would work for me. I sent him to my friend Logan Harkey who rode him for me for a month before I could get to the states to pick him up. I feel like he has all the tools - he’s the best horse I’ve ever rode, we just have a some figuring out to do still. Getting consistent in the box is the main thing, sometimes he’s perfect and sometimes he’s pretty hard. So I’m still just trying to figure out what I need to do to help him!
What is your go to saddle, pad, and bit on your main mount?
I use a Classic Equine felt top pad and a Faith calf roping saddle. I use a bunch of different bits but I usually go between a Randy Reid twisted wire gag and a Gordy Alderson wide bar hinge port. I just like a bit with a lot of feel, I’d rather use more bit and use my hands less than use something dull and have to be pulling on one.
What do you do to keep a sharp mental edge in the game of rodeo? How do you stay motivated throughout the season?
I feel like the main part of my mental game is just remembering that I’m supposed to be having fun and keeping things in perspective. Like rodeoing is not a life or death situation, I’m out here because I love roping. So just enjoy it, and don’t get too high on the highs or low on the lows.
What does your feed program consist of, and how do you keep your horses in shape? What is your riding routine usually like?
I feed soaked beat pulp and Roan&Co supplements. I use the Leg Up for building muscle and recovery, Turmeric for inflammation, and the Hemp Oil for a shiny coat. I also keep my horses on NeutraBac PH Chelator mineral blocks.
I rope on my good horse probably 3-4 times a week. My practices usually consist of 3-4 runs where I’ll just make sure he’s running hard and staying free, and a lot of scoring.
What has been your most memorable run over the years, and what made it memorable for you?
My most memorable run by far was my first calf at the CFR last year. I came to the finals in 6th so I was the very first girl ever to run a breakaway calf at the Canadian Finals Rodeo. I was super emotional about it, just thinking about how far we’d come in such a short time. I remembering looking up at the big screen and seeing a close up of my face with big tears in my eyes and thinking I needed to get it together (haha). I also felt an immense amount of pressure; like the whole sport really depended on me catching that calf. Which was probably not true but it felt important to me catch him. I made a good run I think I was 3 something and the crowd literally erupted. I cried a little at the catch pen (happy tears of course) and got to watch the rest of the girls make awesome runs as well. It was really really special.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given or would give to someone?
It’s more important to be a good person than a good roper.
Who was your travel partner this year, and what was your favourite moment together this year, OR what is your favourite thing about your travel partner?
I travelled with a ton of different people this summer. I went with my sisters, and with about 10 different breakaway ropers. I had fun with everyone though, and all my travelling partners had good attitudes. My favourite travelling partner though is definitely my husband Tel. I love it when we can make it work to go together. We usually find some good spots to eat and have a fun time. Plus I know I’ll always have a good pusher when I get to the rodeo.
What does it mean to you to have the Breakaway Roping at the CFR?
It means the world to me. I remember when I graduated college I cried for days because I thought my breakaway roping career was over for good. There was no where for us to go after college and it is for sure my passion. So to see the growth and support the breakaway roping has seen in the past few years has been pretty incredible. I’m excited for future generations of cowgirls; that they will be able to grow up dreaming about being a breakaway roper and making the CFR or NFR. Or an all around cowgirl like the Whiteside girls. I love being on the ground floor of this revolution and I want to help grow this sport and make it bigger and better for all of those little cowgirls.
“First of all, I’d like to thank the committees that added breakaway in their rodeos this year. It is not mandatory for rodeos to include breakaway, so we are super grateful to the committees who gave us girls a place to rope.
I would also like to thank the Bird family. They have been instrumental in getting the breakaway roping into the rodeos; helping in whatever way they can including DONATING the stock at a lot of the rodeos.
Of course I’d like to thank my own family as well; my mom and dad for doing whatever they can to help me reach my goals and holding down the ranch while we’re out rodeoing. And my husband Tel for being my number 1 fan, helping me with my roping and horses, and pushing my calves.
I’d also like to thank my sponsors for supporting me this rodeo season! I have some great ones:
Nuetrabac PH Alberta, Roan & Co, Rattler Ropes, EquiFUSE, XLR8 Canada and Up In Stitches.”
