May 30 , 2017
NASHVILLE, Tenn (RFD-TV) With RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN Barrel Racing Qualifier Tour well under way, barrel racers across the country are entering qualifiers for their chance to compete at the world’s richest one-day rodeo, held at AT&T Stadium on Feb. 25 2018.
This past weekend Better Barrel Races sanctioned the third qualifier of the 2017-2018 season in Loveland, Colorado. Two-time NFR qualifier and current NFR arena record holder, Taylor Jacob, was among the list of women to compete Saturday night, and prevailed victoriously atop her record-setting mount, Honor Thy Frenchman, AKA Bo.
“I was a little bit rushed getting ready, but Bo handled it well. I’ve hit the second barrel a few times here lately on the backside, so I was pretty careful on the backside of the second, but he ran hard and was really honest,” Jacob said following the race.
Having spent a lifetime in the saddle, Jacob has certainly earned her chance to compete at the rodeo that’s considered, “a tale worthy of Texas.”
“I’ve rode since I was a little girl, and that’s basically what I’ve done my whole life. I college rodeoed, and I’ve been pro rodeoing for four years now and I’ve qualified for the NFR twice,” she said modestly. But we all know the high caliber competition she’ll bring to the table in Fort Worth, as she and Bo set an arena record at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December of 2013. Watch those infamous 13.37 seconds of barrel racing that have yet to be matched here.
Jacob looks up to none other than Sherri Cervi: “She’s not only a good barrel racer, but she’s a good horsewomen and she’s had lots of horses win.”
You’d think that the “irreplaceable bond between horse and woman” would be present here, but Jacob say’s it more of a love/hate relationship: “He’d rather you just do what you need to do with him and then leave him alone. So I don’t have that, like, ‘super special bond/best friend deal.’ He is my best friend, but he doesn’t like to be loved on. He’s very unique.” We’ll call it a professional relationship, because that’s exactly what this team is: Professional to the highest power.
When it comes to what she’s most excited about for Semi-Finals, dollar signs are in her eyes (as they should be), because that’s what THE AMERICAN is all about: Paying the “best of the best” what they deserve to be paid for the performances they put on for the rodeo industry. “I like that set up- the rodeo set up, and the money!”
We hear ya, Taylor. Chase that paper.
If you’re interested in putting yourself in a money making position and doing what you’re most passionate about, enter a qualifier. You can find the BBR Qualifier Tour schedule HERE and submit entries HERE.
Purchase tickets to RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN 2018 here.