ADS
MINOT, N.D. — Seven beautiful blonds will make an appearance at the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo in Minot next month.
These aren’t your typical blonds; these blonds have four legs, a mane, and a tail.
They’re the “Bailey Blonds,” the seven palomino horses ridden by rodeo queens and flag girls and owned by Bailey Pro Rodeo: Shane Gunderson and Brandee Moore, Karlsruhe, N.D.
The Blonds: Esmerelda, Presho, Denny, Cleopatra, Caesar, Seven, and Francis are ridden at rodeos across the country and have unique skill sets that make them good at their job.
As flag horses, they need to be able to run fast as rodeo queens carry flags, yet be approachable to the public who wants to pet them after the rodeo.
Moore, who cares for the horses and coordinates the rodeo openings at the Badlands Circuit Finals, says these horses have special skills that make them good at their job.
Moore says she looks for horses that are rugged enough to take the travel and different climates, but friendly too.
“I have to have horses that are tough but that little kids can come and pet on them,” she said. “If they can’t take the road or aren’t people friendly, this job isn’t for them.”
The Bailey flag horses also have to handle pressure well. Rodeos can be loud, especially in indoor arenas like the Badlands Circuit Finals at the North Dakota State Fair Center, and the noise can’t bother them.
Brandee Moore, who is responsible for the openings at each performance of the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo in Minot, in front of her Bailey Blonds, the flag horses she and Shane Gunderson own. [Photo: Brandee Moore]
“I work really hard to keep their anxiety low and the pressure low for them,” Moore said. “I preach to the cowgirls riding them to have good energy, stay calm, and breath. These horses do so well, that the girls relax and ride them.”
The palominos are good for inexperienced riders too. Moore, who serves as the general manager of North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City, has committee members at the Winter Show ride them to close the rodeo in Valley City. “It’s not just queens and cowgirls riding them.”
The horses have their own fans; rodeo queens request them at different rodeos.
Miss Rodeo Minnesota Kendra Klosterman has her favorite.
Miss Rodeo Minnesota Kendra Klosterman rides a “Bailey Blond” flag horse as she presents the American flag at a rodeo. The horses are well known for being competent flag horses. [Photo: Brandee Moore]
When she goes to a rodeo where the Bailey Blonds are at, she requests to ride Caesar. She says the horse has helped her gain confidence as a rider.
Caesar was a great horse for her to start on Moore said. “He knows everything. He’s laid back, and she fell in love with him. She built her confidence on Caesar. She was comfortable riding him.”
Moore has her own favorite, Cleopatra, who had a surprise foal last fall. “Cleo is my go-to,” she said. “I’ll take her to doctor or move cattle or put bulls out.”
Moore says she loves the horses, as do the rodeo queens and flag girls who ride them.
“I’ve invested so much time and energy and tears and sweat in these seven horses that you can’t help but fall in love with them. They have a following,” she said.
The Bailey Blonds will be part of the opening for each performance of the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo October 13-15 at the North Dakota State Fair Center. Shows start at 7 pm on Oct. 13-14 and at 1 pm on Oct. 15.
Tickets are $25 for adult general admission and $10 for kids ages 3-10. Gold buckle seats, the five rows closest to the arena floor, are $35 for all ages. The October 15 performance is Family Day with all general admission tickets at $10.
Tickets are available online at RodeoMinot.com and at North Country Mercantile in Minot (2000 20th Avenue SE).
For more information, visit the website at RodeoMinot.com or Facebook and Instagram (search for Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo.)