Learning has never been an issue for Tayla Moeykens.

The friendly barrel racer was class valedictorian for Three Forks High School, followed by earning her degree in business marketing at Montana State University. Moeykens already has two side businesses, 4M Performance Horses and Cool Nerd Marketing.

But sometimes the side hustles have to be put on pause.

Moeykens is focusing on her professional rodeo education.

And she is passing with flying colors.

The 23-year-old cowgirl, after an accelerated learning curve in 2024, has qualified for her first National Finals Rodeo.

Professional rodeo’s premier event is Dec. 4-13 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. It features the top 15 competitors in each event and will determine the 2025 world champions.

“Whirlwind … rewarding,” said

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