Go beyond the numbers with first-time NFR qualifiers in the barrel racing at the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
10. Tayla Moeykens
Hometown: Three Forks, Montana
Horses: KN Fames Best Yet (“Yeti”), 2018 gelding, Dash Ta Fame x Kn Fabulous N Khaki x Frenchmans Fabulous; JM PocketsDoubleDash (“Lizard”), 2013 gelding, Guyspocketfullofcash x Katys Perks x Dash For Perks; Special Guy Dash (“Rio”), ; Dash Of Blue Sky (“Blue”), 2006 mare, Bobbiesdashtafame x Blue Sixes x Six Fortunes; Friday Nite Headline (“Friday”), 2017 gelding, Shootin Firewater x E Z Dash x Holland Ease.
WPRA Season Earnings: $142,561
Rodeo Count: 87
NFR Qualifications: 1 (2025)
Recent Career Highlights: 2025 champion Pendleton, Hermiston, Oregon; Bozeman, Big Fork, Montana; Jackson, Mississippi; Heber City, Utah; Las Vegas, Nevada (Plaza Rodeo). 2025 reserve champion Cheyenne, Wyoming; Roundup, Sulphur Springs, Montana. Multiple Montana Circuit Finals champion. 2021 Montana Circuit Rookie of the Year. 2024 and 2023 Reserve College National Champion Barrel Racer. 2021 College National Barrel Racing champion.
Spotlight on First-Time Qualifiers
Barrel Horse News: Can you talk about the horses you rode this year?
Tayla Moeykens: We raised and trained Lizard since he was 6 months old. He won Pendleton this year! He’s our easy going one. I’ve done a lot of unusual things on him and he just loves life. We’ve had Yeti since he was 5 years old. He was two-time reserve college champion, reserve champ at Cheyenne this year, and won Hermiston. We always say he’s the sweetest horse until you do something to make him mad. I rode three other horses, Rio, Blue, and Friday at various rodeos this year.
BHN: What does it mean to you to make the finals?
Moeykens: An absolute dream come true. My family and I have worked for this for so long and for it to actually be a reality is mind blowing.
BHN: At what point did you think an NFR qualification would be possible?
Moeykens: Honestly, last year placing 16th with only, really, three months of rodeo. I knew my horses had the heart and drive to do it, so it was a matter of being consistent.
BHN: What has been your biggest challenge to overcome when rodeoing?
Moeykens: The ability to stay more neutral and not let the ups and downs get to us too much. You just have to keep moving forward.
BHN: Is there anything you would have told your younger self about this journey?
Moeykens: Enjoy the ride. The good times, and bad times, come and go so when you have the luck going your way remember to stop and enjoy the moment.
