Tammy Lee Taylor CFR 2026
Quick Info
Horse:
Kona. TT FRENCHS KONA. Frenchs hula guy out of Anaconda Aggie (home raised mare)
Rodeos Entered: lucky 45
Rodeo won: Bowden, Medicine Hat, Bassano
Total earnings: $31,375.04
CFR qualification #: 1
Saddle, Pad, Bit: Pozzi Pro, F10 Ultra Tuff saddle pads (micron fiber) Sherry Cervi 3 pc short shank, or Pozzi 3 pc lifter.
2026 CFR Interviews Presented by Alliance Equine
Tammy Lee Taylor is an Alliance Equine sponsored athlete!
Tell us your story of how you got into horses, and barrel racing.
I guess you could say I grew up with horses, but I really became the rider I am today because our neighbours owned a track barn, Running R Quarter Horses. They are wonderful people who allowed me to ride there and were kind enough to offer horses for me to ride. I have been involved in rodeo for most of my life, but I also rode track horses, which gave me a completely different experience and helped me grow as a horsewoman. I did step away from horses for quite a few years when I was a young adult, finishing school and starting my career. Life got busy, but once we settled down in Sherwood Park, I brought a horse home almost immediately. I haven’t looked back since. Today, we breed and train our own horses, and we are incredibly proud of our babies. There is something very special about raising a horse from the beginning and being involved in every step of their journey.
What is your main mounts back story and when it was that you knew they had what it takes to get to the CFR?
Kona is her name and she is everything to me. She’s been perfect from the day she was born. Thirteen years ago, we bought a proven mare named Aggie, and to be honest, I didn’t even know a horse could be that athletic. From there, we started our little breeding program with Aggie as its foundation, and she is still our number one lady today.
Kona was Aggie’s very first foal, so to say she was special would be an understatement. Kona was a remarkable futurity horse, but it didn’t stop there. The following year, she travelled the rodeo circuit, learning the ropes. She only received the call to enter a few rodeos, but when she did, she was already placing. When Kona was seven, we had another wonderful year seasoning her and entering a few slot races. In 2025 alone, she earned $90,000. Now it is 2026, and Kona is eight years old. We decided to try completing a full rodeo season and see where it could take us—hopefully all the way to the CFR. Kona took everything in stride and then some. She amazed us with how well she handles every type of ground—mud, hard, deep, small or big pens. It doesn’t seem to matter to her. She has placed in them all, and that is VERY impressive! Kona now has more than $200,000 in lifetime earnings, and she is truly our pride and joy. I am so incredibly proud of this mare and everything she has accomplished. She has given us memories and experiences that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
What was your most memorable run this season, and why?
Winning Medicine Hat!! It is a huge rodeo and the crowd is explosive. I have done good there on a few different horses so to take the win was the best feeling.
Looking back at your season as a whole, what are you most proud of?
My horse Kona and all she was able to accomplice. She was able to show everyone how talent she is and that she is one of the best. Making it to the CFR and being able to share this moment with David, my family and my friends.
What would the younger version of you think if she could see you now?
She wouldn’t believe it. LOL
What keeps you motivated after a tough run, or when something doesn’t go as planned?
Family, friends and tears. LOL the last 2 years we have been thought some rough times but with every fail is a raise and this year with the help of Kona we rised.
What’s the hardest part about chasing the CFR dream that most people don’t see?
Going down the road. The cost that comes with that as well the time needed to take off work. Also, making sure you make the best decisions regarding your horse and what is best for her.
What’s one quality your horse has that you wish you could bottle and put into every horse?
Her sweet loving nature. She is so gentle and truly loves being with you.
Do you prefer the training or competing side of the process more, and why?
I do both and I think I need to. Competing gives you the gratification that is needed sometimes but also comes with the stress of trying to always show up. Training just makes me smile. No expectations just little growth and giving lots of praise and cuddles.
What’s one part of your horses care program you refuse to compromise on?
Regular vet check ups.
What goes through your mind in the alley before a run?
Breathe, and placement of Kona at all 3 barrels.
How did you handle the pressure throughout the season, and keep a strong mental game?
It’s all about your support system. I talk, vent, strategize and plan with my family and friends. If something unexpected pops up, we switch gears and make new plans. All you can do is handle one weekend at a time.
What bloodlines do you look for? Do you have a favourite?
Well, any line that has ANACONDA AGGIE in it of course LOL. I do like some old blood lines but half my heard has FRENCHS HULA GUY on the papers.
Who has had the biggest impact on your journey to the CFR, and how have they shaped you as a competitor?
My husband, David, he has always been there pushing me on and encouraging me, all while taking care of things so I could keep on the road. There is absolutely, no doubt in my mind I could have come this far without him in my corner.
When you think about everything it took to qualify for your first CFR, what does finally earning a spot mean to you?
Honestly, a dream came true. If you had asked me even 5 years ago if I could see myself here? I probably would have chuckled and said, “I wish”, yet here I am, making those dreams come true.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given in rodeo, and what advice would you give someone who wants to make the CFR?
Take it one weekend at a time. Sounds so simple and obvious but rarely ends up that way. You plan, have all the details mapped out and then nothing goes as it should. You need to constantly be prepared to keep adjusting it.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
There are so many people I need to thank but the number one person is David. David, I love you! I would not be here without your constant support. You push me every single day to be better and to keep chasing this dream. You have supported me through all the highs and lows and have never stopped believing in me. My horses would not have had the vet care, farrier work, and everything else they needed without you. You have sacrificed and encouraged this dream right alongside me; I am so grateful you are beside me through it all.
My family, you have always been there whenever I’ve asked and even when I haven’t. My parents are consistently down visiting and helping with everything that needs to be done around the farm. No project is ever too big or too small; you simply show up and help. You have no idea how much relief this brought and how truly appreciated it is.
My sister, Kerri, over the past two years, we have probably called on you more than we should have, but your kind heart was always there for us through the hardest times. You never hesitated to help and were always there when we needed you most. We will never forget your strength, your willingness to step in and the love you’ve showed us. I am so incredibly lucky to have you.
I am employed by Tri-Fab Metals Ltd, a steel processing company in Edmonton. Vic, the owner, has and is so supportive and understanding in allowing me to chase this dream. You didn’t have to do that and I am incredibly grateful that you have. Thank you for giving me the opportunity and the flexibility to pursue something that means so much to me.
Ryan and Angela at Delaney Vet Service—thank you for always going above and beyond for me and my horses. You have helped make sure they feel their absolute best, all while patiently answering all my crazy questions, worries, and concerns along the way. Knowing I could call and get help and advice gave me so much confidence throughout the season.
I am so incredibly fortunate to have people in my life who believe in me, support me, pick me up when I need it, and help me keep going when things haven’t been easy. Thank you to all my friends, you know who you are. I will never forget any of it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. ❤️
