Taylor Sheridan Interview | Bridle & Bit Magazine

Taylor Sheridan — Bridle & Bit Magazine August 2024

Hello Taylor, we want to thank you for the time today and the prior interviews with us, plus all of the things that you have done for the horse industry. The Run For A Million sure has been a game changer in so many ways and we want to make sure that you know that before we start.

"Well Tracy, the New York Times called me and asked to do an interview. I told them no. They said, well you have the cover and 5 pages in the Bridle & Bit, why won't you do an interview with us? I replied, well the answer is no, and you can read into that what you want."

Q What inspired you to create "The Run for a Million" event?

During the first season of Yellowstone, I did a scene that included NRHA riders. When I was talking to these guys about the industry, there was some discussion about the current state of the industry and how it could improve. I thought about it and started work on creating an event that would showcase and elevate the western performance genre. Originally, the first year, we started with only reining. Then we set out to create something that had never been done before with a horse show. We were going to produce a horse show that was an event experience like you have at the NFR. With the help of Mandy Brumley and her team the pieces came together.

Part of that is, I had the idea to film a non-scripted TV show that would showcase the event, the horses and riders. We would film this show during competitions all season long, and then culminate with The Run For A Million competition. Each season of The Last Cowboy TV show gets better and better, just like the live event. It is exciting to watch and is a real hit. We show the World how cool all of this is. It is available to watch on cable, or stream on Paramount+ and CMT.

Every year we add more excitement, competition, concerts, and things to do. This year we added 2 more days to accommodate new events and competition. Working with the Brumley team and South Point are all part of why we can make this event bigger and better every year.

Q The performances run like a Swiss watch; how do you lead the team to execute the plan?

The team gets all the credit, headed up by Mandy Brumley. They have done a phenomenal job of running the event with South Point. The South Point staff, the manager, the staff, the Gaughan Family, everyone does what it takes to make this event happen. We could not do it without them, and they have done exceptional work, year after year. The Run For A Million would not be what it is today without the hard work and dedication of South Point and Brumley Management.

Q How can people watch the event if they can't make it to Las Vegas?

We now have a cool livestream available and have added interviews, videos and commentary to really give the folks that cannot attend a feel for the excitement of the competition and to be part of the event. Even in the Rookie class, we have the best competition in all categories at this event.

Last year we added a huge video screen, a stage and bar in the ballroom where the vendors are. Everyday there is a concert, the riders all draw their order of go and sign autographs, and you can watch the show live on the big screen. We keep that area very busy with things going on, it is fun and exciting every day of the event.

We have made it so you can enjoy the event without a ticket. The tickets sold out this year in 10 minutes! But now you can come to Las Vegas, stay at the South Point and enjoy so many aspects of the event. There are so many things going on, and most of the time the concourse is open, and you can walk around everywhere. Then when the ticketed event starts anyone can watch on the huge screen, shop with the vendors, eat, drink and dance.

Q A new competition was added this year, the Bareback Buck Out Invitational — 10 cowboys compete for $150,000. What motivated you to add that layer of excitement onto the event?

The top ten PRCA rodeo bareback bronc riders will be competing on the best horses there are. These horses love what they do. They are best bucking horses, and they are bred to do this, they love it. These horses are true athletes. These horses and cowboys are the best in the world, the Top 10. There will be so much excitement, and this competition will have you sitting on the edge of your seat!

Q You get a lot of bang-for-the-buck attending The Run for a Million, with world-class competition, entertainment, shopping, and socializing. How does it feel knowing that the audience and competitors look forward to your event, every August, in a very similar emotional way folks feel about the National Finals Rodeo?

As I shared earlier, the NFR is the most exciting western performance event that there is. It is an honor to have been able to capture some of that magic. That is what we strive for and keep working hard at since our first TRFAM held in 2019. We work to make each year better and better, with so many new things to do, that you will have something to do every minute that you are there. We also have continued with a focus on having the best of the best in the western performance genre competing and concerts with talent like Lainey Wilson live at the South Point Showroom.

Q How important do you think Las Vegas and South Point are in the overall success of The Run for A Million?

We could not have the event that we do without the hard work and dedication of South Point and their amazing team. They support us in every way possible. I cannot say enough about how great they are to work with. They start planning next year's event in September! As soon as this year's event ends and moves out, the South Point management start working with the Brumley Management Team to make it better and better every year. The logistics are crazy. Each day the arena footing and set-up changes multiple times. Cutting pen, reining, they add chutes for the broncs. It's high-speed excitement with a lot of logistics and South Point gets it done every time. We could not have done with this event without South Point!

Q Two years ago, my son and I were in the car driving. On the radio we heard an interview with Lainey Wilson where she gave you a lot of credit for helping her career. She said you heard her sing, spoke with her on the phone, and gave her opportunities that she was so blessed and thankful for. Lainey also credited you for ramping up her career really fast. She said that she had never acted, but you wrote a role for her on Yellowstone. One of the last things she said was, "Can you just believe it?"

Lainey is great. She just is amazing. Her shows have so much energy and excitement, no one walks away without a memory for life. There is so much talent and drive, she is really great. Her concert is on Saturday night August 17th in the South Point Showroom.