Q Taylor, a promising saddle bronc rider from Alberta, Canada, has successfully qualified for both the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in 2023. This achievement marks a significant breakthrough for Taylor after three years of near misses in his professional career. Since turning pro in 2022, Taylor has consistently performed well in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, but until this year, he had not secured a spot in either of the prestigious season-ending events.
In 2022, Taylor finished 18th in the PRCA world standings, just shy of the NFR, and previously missed qualifying for the CFR by a mere $100. His fellow Alberta rider, Ben Anderson, often reminded Taylor of these close calls during their travels. “We were driving somewhere and he was teasing me for riding good for this long and not qualifying for either Finals. I told him, ‘You watch this, I’m going to make both Finals this year. You just watch,’” Taylor recounted.
By October 1, Taylor had fulfilled his promise. His remarkable performance in September propelled him up the PRCA world standings, earning over $67,000 and securing his first qualification for the NFR. He entered the NFR in 13th place, with a career-best total of $167,562 in earnings. Additionally, Taylor also qualified for the CFR, finishing second at the competition behind Zeke Thurston.
Overcoming Challenges to Succeed
Taylor’s journey to success was not without its challenges. In the previous year, he faced significant difficulties, breaking six saddles and struggling to adjust his technique. These setbacks contributed to a disappointing 35th place finish in the rankings, with earnings of only $48,000. Reflecting on those tough moments, Taylor stated, “Whether a bronc rider likes to admit it or not, (a saddle) is the most important piece of equipment we have… breaking all the time, I was just switching from saddle to saddle on the fly.”
Despite these hurdles, Taylor’s experiences ultimately equipped him with valuable skills. He learned to adapt quickly, which proved advantageous this season. “I feel confident that I can switch on the fly and still ride,” he explained. This newfound confidence, combined with a strategic approach to late-season events, enabled him to secure his place among the top competitors.
Taylor planned his schedule carefully, participating in smaller rodeos to ensure he could compete in crucial late-season events. His breakthrough came at the Pendleton Round-Up, where he won the final round and the average, earning more than $16,000. He solidified his NFR qualification by winning the second go-round at the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup and finishing as runner-up in the finals, bringing his earnings from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to nearly $36,000.
A New Experience in Las Vegas
With his qualifications secured, Taylor is set to compete in Las Vegas for the second time in his career. Apart from participating in the 2022 Permit Members of the Year Challenge, he has not been involved in any other NFR-related events. This year’s experience includes navigating media and sponsor commitments, which adds another layer of complexity to the competition.
Taylor appreciates the challenges and rewards that come with this new chapter in his career. After years of striving for success, he reflects on how the struggles he faced have made this moment even more gratifying. “Years of narrow misses were hard to understand at the time, but they’ve made the end result much more rewarding,” he said.
As the NFR approaches, Q Taylor stands as a testament to perseverance and determination in the sport of rodeo, inspiring others to chase their dreams despite the obstacles they may encounter.
