By Lori Bizzell
Photos Courtesy of Bentli Taylor
I had a chance to connect with Bentli, and what stood out to me first wasn’t an impressive list of titles; it was her heart. She’s learning how to win without losing what matters, and that kind of growth is worth paying attention to.
Team Cavender’s athlete Bentli Taylor understands that growth in rodeo often requires difficult choices. “As you get older, rodeo competition gets tougher, and you have to become more focused. Sometimes that means making choices,” she says. Once a competitive gymnast and cheerleader, Bentli reached a point where she knew she couldn’t give her best to everything at once. “I decided that I could not be successful at everything. I decided to dedicate my time to rodeo and plan to compete in College Rodeos.”
That decision opened the door to steady progress. Bentli moved from junior high and high school state short go rounds into national-level competition, qualifying for both the National Junior High Rodeo and the National High School Rodeo while continuing to compete across multiple events.
For Bentli, growth hasn’t come from a single source. It has come through experience ~through horses, pressure, people, and faith…..each shaping her along the way.
Pole bending is where Bentli feels most at home. “The pole horses fit my personality. Every pole horse that I have ridden loves the event just as much as I do.” She knows quickly whether a horse belongs there. “I can tell when I get on a horse if they are a pole horse or not by the way they walk down the alleyway.”
Her journey has been shaped by special horses, Rodeo and Colonel, and now by Queen. “They all have known their job and gave me 100 percent every run.” What draws her in is the intensity. “To me, there is a thrill weaving through the poles at a high rate of speed.”
That partnership has carried her onto major stages, including the WCRA Cinch World Championship junior rounds and a Top 10 finish at the International Finals Youth Rodeo, as well as multiple championships and a reserve state title.
Bentli’s approach in competition is deliberate. “I try not to think about what other people do and just focus on making my run.” Afterward, she evaluates honestly. “After my run, I celebrate a good run or think about corrections I need to make before the next run.”
When something feels off, she goes to work. “I try to figure out what went wrong. Sometimes I need to make a bit of a change or tune in the practice pen.” Then she resets. “I try to let it go and think about the next run.”
Competing in multiple events has taught her resilience. “I have always competed in more than one event, so I cannot worry about one bad run. I have to get on the next horse and get my mind right for the next event.” Staying calm is intentional. “I focus on the run in front of me. I must stay calm because my horse feeds off my energy.”
Loss has been one of rodeo’s hardest lessons. “Heartbreak. Your horses become members of the family, and when you lose one, it is like losing a family member or a best friend.” Much of that reality is unseen. “People do not see the hours of practice spent in the arena.”
Bentli faced that heartbreak at the National High School Finals Rodeo when her pole horse died. Seeded for the WCJR semi-finals the following week with nothing to ride, she relied on the kindness of others. “A nice family let me borrow a horse to get through the week.” Despite the weight of grief, she finished the job. “With all my emotions, I just wanted to go home. I pushed through and finished what my horse had started for me.”
Her priorities are clear. “My horses are part of my joy for the sport. No matter how much I want to win, I am going to put them first and make sure they are taken care of.”
Today, she rides a team she’s proud of. “I am extremely proud of my team of horses ~ Chief, Forrest, Queen, and Viper.” Chief brings speed. Forrest brings consistency. Queen is a fireball, and Viper is quick across the line.
Now in her third year with Team Cavender’s, Bentli embraces what representation means. “It’s a leadership role. I represent Team Cavender’s. I am proud and thankful for that, and I take my role seriously.” That responsibility fuels her drive. “It makes me strive to be better because I not only want to win for myself, I want to win for my team and the Cavender’s name.”
The team has shaped her beyond competition. “They have taught me at team summits every year how to build my image through social media.” Their presence matters. “The Cavender’s Team supports me at large events such as the National High School Finals and IFYR.”
Bentli values the culture. “It is the best team to be part of. Not only is it a great family environment, but they also support you all year round.” The annual summits motivate her. “It is great motivation when you meet professional athletes who speak at the meetings. They try to prepare you in every aspect to get you ready for your future in rodeo.”
Those lessons are shaping her character. “It has taught me how to be a more well-rounded person and a good teammate. They teach us how to be good role models.” She carries that responsibility daily. “I know that my actions are a reflection of the team, and I just try to be a good person and demonstrate good sportsmanship in and out of the arena.”
When asked what she hopes to represent, Bentli answers simply. “To be a good person and a Christian. To never give up your dreams.” She adds, “I try to keep a positive attitude and drive to keep going no matter the outcome.” Looking ahead, she sees preparation. “It will help prepare me for bigger opportunities in my future.”
Her foundation is steady. “My family has supported me through highs and lows.” “My faith keeps me grounded.” When things are uncertain, she trusts God. “I know that God has a plan. I may not always see it when things are rough, but I always know He is in control.” She releases the outcome. “I pray about it and leave it in God’s hands.” One verse she leans on is Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
What Bentli hopes people see goes beyond results. “I would want them to see my love for the sport and that I always put my horses first. There are days I make mistakes, but I always come back stronger.” And her encouragement to others is heartfelt. “Enjoy the little things ~not just the wins. Enjoy the time you spend with your horses. Each horse teaches you something along the way. Appreciate the genuinely good people you meet on this journey. Keep going. You will be amazed at what you accomplish.”
Her hope for the future is simple. “That I was a good horseman, and I took good care of my animals. I hope they remember how much I loved and appreciated each horse.”
Keep your eye on Bentli! We’re proud to spotlight the growth happening in her life, on the dirt and off it. The wins will come, but what’s even more meaningful is the kind of horseman, teammate, and young woman she’s becoming ~and Team Cavender’s has a young athlete worth rooting for.
