A Bittersweet End to The 2024 Season for First Time NFR Qualifier

Marshall, Texas resident Abby Phillips is heading to Vegas after a long but successful year holding her place in the top fifteen since the beginning of the 2024 season and it couldn’t be anymore bitter sweet for her.

Abby ended the 2023 season as the Wilderness Circuit Average Champion aboard Andi (VF Expensive Taste) after suffering from the tough loss of her beloved horse Crown Ta Fame in July of that year. “Losing Fame was my biggest motivation to capitalize on this year. I wanted to finish what he started for me. Qualifying this year was going to be more special than getting it any other year.” Phillips explained. “After losing him it was kind of put one foot in front of the other every day. Andi just so happened to be in my path. I never expected her to come on as quickly as she did. I’ve never doubted her talent, but I wasn’t sure if she was mature enough to handle the rodeo world just yet.” Abby stated in our initial interview for our June issue.

How is Abby approaching her first NFR? The same way she’s been going all year. “…stay focused and listen to my horses and help them in anyway I can to feel confident and be successful.” Abby stated. Now that she’s got that NFR qualification clinched, she’s got her eyes on a go round win.

We wish Abby and her crew a safe and successful to Vegas and we know Fame will be watching over them at the iconic Thomas & Mack in December. #DoItForFameMan

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Abby, Fame, & Big P

Photo by Kylan Shaw, provided by Abby Phillips