Taylor Hanson, a FullBucket equine ambassador, has certainly had quite the year.
In 2022, she claimed the futurity championship at the Dash N Dance Futurity in Spearfish, South Dakota on Fame N Sass, or “Famous.” Hanson and Famous were also futurity champions at the 5-State Breeder Futurity in Rapid City, SD.
She also just qualified for the American Rodeo semi-finals, and recently placed at the Pink Buckle Barrel Race at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
From St. Onge, South Dakota, Hanson is a barrel racing trainer and event producer who has been very active in the equine industry beginning as a young girl.
“I have been raised around horses so I have always loved them. My mom got me into the competing side of things when I was younger and that started a lifetime of competition. I started training when I was in junior high school.”
Taylor credits her mom, Cami Bussmus and Jay Mattson as her biggest fans and mentors throughout her life and says she would not be where she is today without the influence of those three people.
Taylor Hanson’s Barrel Racing Program
With between 20 and 25 horses in her program at any given time, Hanson is no stranger to hard work and dedication.
When it comes to her program, Hanson looks for the same dedication in her horses and says that the biggest factor she looks for in a team mate is grit and “try.”
“To be a winner, these horses have to be just as competitive as the jockey on top of them. I also look for one that is athletic and smart. They have to be capable of getting the job done quickly while staying focused from the time they enter the arena to the time they exit.”
Hanson feels privileged to have been able to ride so many great horses in her life, but her current all-time favorite is French Kiss to Vegas, or “Daisy May,” as she is called around the barn.
“I have won the most on her and I never have to doubt if she is going to do her job in the arena. She tries so hard every time she runs down the alleyway and I couldn’t ask for more out of a horse.”
French Kiss to Vegas is a French Streaktovegas daughter. Currently, other horses in Hanson’s program are by Famous Charmer, Magnum, The Kandyman, Mr. Sassy Frenchman and French Streakin Jess, to name a few.
“Every year, I always look forward to seeing the young horses progress. It is so fun to see the new ones starting to run in November and what they can do throughout the season.”
The Hanson Lifestyle
Hanson says that her dog, Harley, travels with her everywhere she goes.
“She keeps me company and watches over me.”
When traveling, Taylor says she always makes it a point to eat at a Raising Cane’s and always has a Coke or Sprite on hand.
While Taylor’s snacks may vary, her horses’ diet does not. Her horses get alfalfa pellets daily in addition to a high-quality grain. Every horse that is traveling receives FullBucket Probiotic Pellets and French Kiss to Vegas recently started on the famous Medical Muscle.
Hanson is a big fan of sticking with what works, both for herself and her horses.
“One of my superstitions is that if you change things, it will bring you bad luck. I have always struggled wearing a new hat or a new set of boots. I like to keep things the same as long as possible.”
We are honored that Hanson trusted FullBucket products to make a change in her program and look forward to our future working together or healthy, happy horses.
