PRORODEO Sports News, April 4, 2025

Q TAYLOR PICKS UP MUCH-NEEDED WIN IN AUSTIN BY ZACH ALVIRA

Q Taylor knew his stock draw for the final round of saddle bronc at Rodeo Austin would present the biggest challenge for the Nanton, Alberta, cowboy. Perhaps the biggest of the 2025 season. Taylor drew Hammer Stone from Beutler & Son Rodeo, a five-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo bucking horse who is averaging more than a 66% buckoff rate this season. Taylor knew what he had in store. “That’s a horse that’s been to the (National Finals Rodeo) quite a bit,” he said. “He really bucks. A lot of guys have trouble with him. I had my hands full today.”

Hands full or not, Taylor delivered a 90-point ride with Hammer Stone, clinching the Rodeo Austin title. He approached the run like any other, and didn’t think much about the stock he was paired with. To Taylor, reaction is every thing. Distractions at bigger rodeos are a plenty, from the crowd to the con testants to the caliber of stock. He didn’t let that affect him en route to the title. “I try to keep myself as calm and relaxed as I can and keep breath ing,” Taylor said. “(I) try to take care of business before any emo

tions get involved.” The 23-year-old knows there is still plenty to accomplish for a chance to qualify for the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Ro deo presented by Teton Ridge in December, but the win in Austin opens the door to more rodeos. He left Austin with $10,340 in earnings, which boosted his sea son total to $21,926. “This helps big time. I needed to get some checks to get into some more rodeos,” Taylor said. “We’ll go up to California here in the next couple weeks. It moves me right along.”

Q Taylor picked up a much-needed win in Austin to add to his season earnings.

PRCA photo by James Phifer

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