By: Hope Sickler

Taylor Jacob and her incredible gelding Honor Thy Frenchman "Bo" need no introduction. The dynamic duo has stolen the hearts of rodeo spectators over the last several years with their grit, determination and heart. With numerous trips to the city of lights in December for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Jacob has winning etched in her mind and it comes easy for her and the mighty little buckskin gelding.
 
This past weekend in Loveland, Colorado was the #3 American Qualifier presented by Better Barrel Races and hosted by Mile Hi Barrel Horse Association during their $6000 added Formula 707 Memorial Weekend Barrel Blast. Jacob was in between rodeos last weekend and wanted to try and qualify for the semi-finals of The American, so she mapped it out and Loveland is where she found herself for the #3 Qualifier.
 

The qualifier in Loveland was easy for me to work between the rodeos I was entered in. I was in Garden City, Kansas and then from there I was going to Eagle Mountain, Utah so Loveland was on the way," explained Jacob. "I knew that I wanted to try and qualify and after looking at the schedule, I figured that Loveland was going to be the easiest one to work while trying to rodeo, too.

 
The infamous "Bo" is just coming back from an injury that he suffered last July, so Jacob is taking it easy and making the runs count on him.
 
"Bo is 12 this year and he is just starting to come back from an injury from last summer. The most important to me is keeping him healthy and happy."
 
Jacob explained her run in the qualifier as "pretty dang good" and although there were only 26 entries, the competition was fierce indeed!


 
"I think most assumed this qualifier would be easy because there were only 26 entries but I truly believe that it was the exact opposite. With only 26 entries, only 5 advanced so there was absolutely no room for error. There was only a mere-tenth between first and fifth place and that is as tight as it can be! I was able to watch some of the runs and it was great watching!"
Jacob posted a blazing fast time of 17.221 for the win and other NFR Barrel Racer Shali Lord rounded out the top 5 with a 17.359.
 
Although this is her first qualifier win, Jacob and "Bo" have already ran in the AT&T stadium in the past and we think the chances of seeing them back there next spring is very good! Jacob and "Bo" fans around the globe will be pushing to see their favorite team running for the $1,000,000!
 
Jacob would like to pay tribute to her sponsors that keep her and "Bo" going down the road.
-Nutrena Feeds
-Rock and Roll Cowgirl
-Classic Equine
-Platinum Performance
-Elgin Vet
-Safe-Guard Dewormer
-Standlee Forage
-Coats Saddlery
-Carmine Feed

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