Countdown to NFBR: #7 Taylor Munsell Interview

Sports Illustrated's Rodeo Daily continues our countdown to the NFBR with #7 Taylor Munsell.

Name: Taylor Munsell

Hometown: Alva, OK

Rank: 7th

2023 Winnings: $108,457

2023 Catch Percentage: 64%

Career Earnings: $360,039

NFR Qualifications: 3

Biggest Win of 2023: That’s a hard choice between the first ever breakaway title at Calgary or winning my hometown rodeo in Woodward, OK with all my family and sponsors there.

Horse(s): Hotrod Song “Colonel” – 11-year-old sorrel gelding; Pals Star Shine “Ray” – 15-year-old palomino gelding

Strategy for NFR: I think the calves are going to be strong this year, if they stay the same as when we broke them in. I like my horsepower for the situation. My game plan is to make the best runs I can on what I draw and see where that leads me.

Saddle: Usher Brand Custom Saddles

Ropes: 9.5 Viper by Rattler

Horse Leg Protection: Classic Equine Flexion boots all the way around

Jeans and Shirts: CINCH

Hat: Resistol

Must haves in truck and trailer: Aleve, headphones, phone charger, Re-Vita Freeze-on, a blanket, and a pillow are always on hand.

Motto: It is what it is, let’s run another one!

What defines a champion: A champion is someone that not only wins in the arena and life but uses their success to help lift others up.

Favorite Food on the Road: My favorite food would have to be basically anything we cook on the Blackstone, but I make an outstanding breakfast scramble on it, and we are getting pretty good at cooking steaks on it.

Traveling partners: Samantha Fulton

Advice: Don’t get caught up on one run, whether it be past or upcoming. One run doesn’t define you and in the grand scheme of things it only accounts for a couple seconds of your entire life. Make sure you’re making the most of your life outside of those couple of seconds.