LAS VEGAS – When Taylor Broussard realized he needed to make some changes to his lifestyle, he knew the benefits would come.
He proved it during Thursday’s opening night of the National Finals Rodeo, riding Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Land of Fancy for 85 points to finish in a tie for fourth place with Utah cowboy Dean Thompson and Texan Cole Franks; each earned $9,418.
In his third qualification to ProRodeo’s grand championship, Broussard earned more money in one night than he had over his previous trips to Las Vegas, which combined totaled $6,408.
“It’s a blessing to not scratch at the last two,” Broussard said, referring to not being shut out of the pay window. “I placed in the second round both years I’ve been here, so getting a check in the first round is already. I’ve won more money. Now, I’m just going to keep it going.”
He first earned trips to the NFR in 2019 and 2021. Now more than two years sober, he is seeing Las Vegas without the haziness of before. His cleared mind has him focused, and he is able to enjoy the experience like he’s never done before. That included his money-making ride on Land of Fancy.
“I got on that horse in 2023 in Filer, Idaho,” said Broussard, 31, of Estherwood, Louisiana. “I was super excited then to get on it, and it felt awesome. It’s one of the fun horses I’ve been on. I couldn’t wait to get on since then, and I couldn’t ask for a better place to get on it again.
“I really thought I was going to be a round win, but things happen. We’ll go tomorrow, because I feel like I have two really good ones in our first two rounds.”
He will be matched with Burch Rodeo’s Bunk House Mouse during the second round.
“We’ve got the buckers (Friday) night, and I’ve got a horse that Keenan Hayes won the first round in Sioux Falls (South Dakota) on,” he said. “It’s a younger horse, and I’m actually the one that sent the video to the guys and was like, ‘We need to bring this horse.’ ”
Shortly after the regular season concluded Sept. 30, the top 15 bareback riders get on a conference call and select the 100 horses they think gives them the best chance to win money once the competition begins. The better the horses, the bigger the opportunity to catch some Vegas cash.
“I feel really great; my body feels the best its ever felt,” Broussard said. “My mind’s right. I’m pumped to be here, and I’m here to take care of business and do my job. This is what I do for a living. This is what we work for all year long, spend all our money to get here so we can actually make a little bit of money.
“I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing. My equipment felt great tonight, so nothing needs to be changed. I’m going to go into the gym in the morning and do my little exercises, the same routine and just don’t change anything. I’m going to come here ready to work every night.” He’s already making money on this business venture; there’s no need to stop now.