Kenda Falkner
Hometown: Hotchkiss, CO
Riding Style: Western
Specific Styles: Barrel Racing
Primary Horse’s Name: “Tequila Rose”
BIO
I’m Kenda Falkner, I’m 16, and I live in Colorado. I started riding when I was 8 years old in a Therapeutic Riding Program for children with cancer and terminal illness. I fell in love with the horses and it was clear to everyone that this is what I am meant to do. I was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer called Bilateral Retinoblastoma at 5 weeks and had my right eye removed in an effort to save my life when I was 6 weeks old. I’ve battled the cancer on and off my whole life. The thing that tormented me for so many years has ended up being the greatest blessing I’ve ever received. Barrel racing has opened doors for me to touch many people’s lives. I’ve been able to represent the Shining Stars Cancer Foundation at various rodeos. I’ve had the opportunity to talk to large groups of parents and children about overcoming obstacles and taking back control of your life. While I would love to win the world, that is not my only goal, but to be a light and an inspiration to all would be the greatest gift. I love having the chance to inspire others by showing them what I am capable of, because if I can do it, anyone can. I want everyone to know their worth and to know that they are apart of something so much bigger than themselves. My goal is to inspire a movement and to give people who have had so much taken from them, hope and to help them find the same passion for what they love as I have found. As I’ve competed, I’ve noticed something about myself that is different from the other girls I compete against. Every run I make, good or bad, I am so grateful that I was able to make that run at all. I shouldn’t even be alive, let alone be able to see and ride. It truly is by the grace of God that I can compete. I compete on my Mustang, Tequila Rose, off the Book Cliffs in Colorado. I trained and finished her on barrels myself. She is my pride and joy. I compete in all of the speed events, but barrels and poles are my main events. I have been holding myself to a higher standard and entering up into bigger jackpots and rodeos. My little mare and I have won numerous high point and all around awards the past two years. I plan to get my WPRA Junior Membership very soon. I really look up to Fallon Taylor. She is my idol. She comes from a tragedy just like I have. She has turned it into an advantage and more than overcome her obstacles. She is so uplifting and is the epitome of what a professional rodeo athlete should be. I have some lofty goals, but I believe I have it within myself to accomplish them.
Follow me on social media!
Instagram: Kenda Falkner
