Q&A WITH Fallon Taylor

After being bullied as a child and a devastating riding accident, Fallon Taylor rose to the top of the rodeo world

- HEIDI NYLAND MELOCCO

You've probably heard of barrel racing superstar Fallon Taylor-it's hard to miss her bold fashion choices, and she now spearheads her own company that sells clothing and horse gear patterned up in her signature style.

Fallon earned the titles of 2014 Women's National Finals Rodeo (NFR) World Champion Barrel Racer and 2018 American Quarter Horse Association World Champion Barrel Racer.

Now a businesswoman, she has a training and breeding farm and a supportive family. She credits her success to perseverance, goal setting, and having an irreplaceable mare named BabyFlo.

We chatted with Fallon to find out how she got her start with horses, what obstacles she overcame on the way to competing at the sport's highest levels, and how she created her colorful Ranch Dress'n retail business.

Q: What kicked off your interest in horses?

FT: I got to ride a pony at an event in Tampa, Fla., where we lived at the time. That was my first experience riding a little pony.

After that, I started watching rodeos on TV. My parents encouraged me when they saw that I had an interest. We went to Texas for my 7th birthday, and they took me to the rodeo. It was then that my life was forever changed. [Running barrels] was something that I wanted to be a part of. Within a year, we found a trainer, got a horse, and got my pro card.

Q: Not everyone gets a horse and lessons right away. What advice do you have for our readers in this situation?

FT: I know not everybody has that level of support. Finding people to support you is super important. I've seen people make it to my level by interning and trading lesson time at the barn for cleaning stalls.

Q: What were your first lessons like?