LAS VEGAS — Two Montanans are living out a lifelong dream this week as they make their debuts at the National Finals Rodeo. But as they’ve learned under the bright lights of Las Vegas, a first trip to the sport’s biggest stage comes with both rewards and unexpected challenges.

For Three Forks barrel racer Tayla Moeykens, the adversity began before the opening run. A nationwide outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) forced her to make a difficult decision: leave her main horses, Yeti and Lizard, at home for their safety and compete on a borrowed mount instead.

WATCH: HEAR FROM SAM PETERSEN AND TAYLA MOEYKENS Montana NFR rookies navigating highs and lows in their first trip to Las Vegas

“It’s been a lot, I'm not going to lie,” Moeykens said. “Not having my own horses it’s been a little

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