story by Lily Weinacht
Taylor Shurden of Winona, Mississippi, qualified for the 2018 Junior NFR through sheer determination and many miles on the odometer. The 11-year-old barrel racer, her 10-year-old sister, Reagan, and their parents traveled to 11 KK Run for Vegas qualifiers this season, even going as far as Buckeye, Arizona, where Taylor was off the winning time by 1/100th of a second. “I was so close all the other times, and we were going to keep trying because I knew I could do it,” says Taylor. Her consistency of often placing fourth or better each time accumulated into 61 points, ultimately sending her and Reagan, who finished third with 29 points, to their second Junior NFR. “I’m really excited to go this year,” says Taylor, who is flying to Las Vegas with her mom and sister while their dad drives the horses. “Last year I made it to the finals—I was in the top 20—and I know the arena and what to expect from my horse. I also get to go to Cowboy Christmas and meet all of the big NFR people.”
While Taylor also competes in junior rodeos in goat tying and pole bending, barrel racing is her favorite. “It teaches you so much. You have to be really patient with a horse and really get to know it, and just keep pushing no matter what.” She and Reagan introduced horses into their family at an early age, and their parents, Sheri and Jim, were committed before they knew it. “We had the best time last year (at KKP) and don’t know that anything could top it,” says Sheri. “We decided to continue this year, and we’ve had a ball. It teaches them humility and to keep trying, and shows them the hard work pays off. We’ve had great support from the people that help them, and it keeps us together as a family.”
Practice is also a family affair. Taylor and Reagan each have two horses to exercise, and they ride with their dad, who is learning to team rope. Taylor also plans to start breakaway roping. She rode both her horses, Fire Up That Rose and NC French Franny, at the KKP events. The Shurdens found their horses with the help of Ashley and Quay Eaves, while Taylor also trains with Ashley and Quay, and has worked with Emme Patterson and Suzanna Hill. “I have a lot of friends in the sport and I just really like it,” says Taylor. “If my horse gets hurt or I’m not having good runs, I have my family and my supportive friends to cheer me up.”
Along with their horses, Taylor and Reagan help care for the family’s cows, lambs, chickens, dogs, cats, and pig. They used to show lambs in 4-H where they both made the Sale of Champions, but decided to focus on barrel racing this year. The sisters also both attend Winona Elementary School. “I like all of my school, but I like math and reading a lot,” says Taylor, who is in sixth grade. “In math we’re reviewing decimals, and in reading we’re working on vocabulary and writing. Sometimes we make up a fantasy story, or do non-fiction. I do archery in school all year, and when we’re ready, we’ll go to an archery competition. I also enjoy dancing.
“My goal is making it to the big NFR, and at the Junior NFR, I really want to place, run a clean pattern, and make it to the finals round. I’m moving up next year to the (KKP) senior class, so I’ve really been focusing on getting better with my horses, being consistent, and working harder.”
