Victoria “Vicki” Lynn Taylor was born on November 5, 1950, in San Angelo, Texas, to Fred Robert and Amy Lucille Stroud. Vicki was drawn to horses and began practicing her daring feats at a very young age. It wasn’t until her marriage to famed barrel man, Hubert “Brother” Taylor, that her spotlight in the arena truly began to shine. The two paired up and went on the road, performing in dozens of arenas throughout Texas and the rest of the United States. Additionally, Vicki’s magical relationship with animals helped her train several horses, mules, and dogs for rodeo specialty acts galore.
Vicki began trick riding in 1978. Her long, blonde hair, perfect form, and winning smile have mesmerized audiences of all arenas. She demonstrated some of the most dangerous tricks of the trade, including the Death Drag, the Stroud Layout, and the Hippodrome. She worked with and for some of the best in the business: Bad Company Rodeo, Terry Walls, Lester Meier, plus North Dakota’s Jim Mosbrucker and Ohio’s J Bar J Rodeo. She trick rode in both International Pro Rodeo Association (IPRA) and Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) events. In more recent years, she signed on and performed with the Great American Wild West Show.
Aside from trick riding, Vicki’s other trademark was the elegant way she presented the colors. She’s carried the flag in rodeos from her hometown of Wimberley, Texas, all the way to the National Finals Rodeo where she posted the colors in 2000.
When not at a rodeo, Taylor spent 35 years as a speech therapist for elementary students in San Marcos, Texas. As a teacher, she demonstrated sensitivity with her students. As a trick rider, she was completely fearless.
Vicki Taylor has passed her legacy on to others, but her long blonde hair, graceful elegance, and beautiful smile will never be replaced in the rodeo arena. After a lengthy battle with cancer, Vicki passed away on July 18, 2010. She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Cleveland, a niece, Jennifer Durgeat, 3 grandnieces, Stevie Lynn, Ava Ryan, and Victoria Raye, countless friends, and of course, her rodeo family.
