Sydni Blanchard

Sydni Blanchard – Albuquerque, N.M. ($91,362)
3-time WNFR qualifier
1-time RNCFR qualifier

It’s taken a lot of perseverance for Sydni Blanchard to qualify for her third Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and her “be fearless” mantra has come into play with every run.

The Albuquerque, N.M., barrel racer has been involved in two horse-related accidents, one of which left her unable to walk. She has post concussive syndrome that causes chronic headaches from the other one. Despite that, her dedication and desire have never wavered. She joined the WPRA in 2008 and was the Rookie of the Year. That was the same year she was crowned the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association champion for Eastern New Mexico University.

Two years later she qualified for the NFR in the final spot and rose to finish the year ninth in the standings. In 2011, she missed part of the season after getting hurt at Rodeo Houston and missed the NFR by one spot. Her second qualification came in 2013.

This year has been full of ups and downs as well, with a few more ups than downs. She starts the NFR in 11th place with $91,362 in regular season earnings. Her success has come aboard Mr. Famous Jess, a nine-year-old bay gelding and Famous Heartbreaker, a seven-year-old sorrel mare. Both will be with her in Vegas.

Sydni’s interest in rodeo was fostered by her parents and grandparents. Her love of rodeo and barrel racing had her choose a rodeo scholarship over a chance to be a cheerleader at the University of New Mexico where her father, Paul, had played football. Her mother, Kandace also competes.

Sydni’s “Be Fearless” mindset and her skill as a horsewoman has inspired her to coach others and teach them to ride fearless. She takes every opportunity to learn and loves passing knowledge along to others. She will have 10 nights of riding fearless to draw new inspiration from now.