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Sami Lyons and ‘Morgans Dunit Smart’ [Photo: Scootem-N-Shootem Photography]
‘Morgans Dunit Smart’, otherwise known as ‘Budget’ and Sami Lyons competed in a limited number of shows this past year. Not knowing it was even possible, the versatility ranch horse team ended up in the top 8 in the youth world of the American Quarter Horse (AQHA) Versatility Ranch Horse standings.
Sami is a 17-year-old junior for the Lisbon Broncos and is the daughter of Jeff and Kelli Lyons. The family was amidst calving season at the family farm/ranch when they got the certified letter in the mail declaring the news. From the post office in Texas all the way to North Dakota, it was an uplifting message reminding all that hard work and perseverance pays off.
“Budget is one of my favorites, because I can do anything on him. I trust him one hundred percent, and when we go into a show pen or an arena, he knows what he is doing — especially when it comes to cow work,” said Sami.
Sami aboard her favorite horse. [Photo: Scootem-N- Shootem Photography]
Sami’s trainer/coach, Jacob Anderson, explained that the versatility ranch horse is essentially a horse and rider doing everything a quarter horse can — cutting, reining cow horse work, ranch trail, ranch riding, and ranch pleasure — all on the same horse. “This affiliate of the AQHA truly defines what the American quarter horse should be and represents,” stated Anderson.
“It really came together this past winter in Rapid City at the stock show. I was just letting him work and do what he was doing, even after the buzzer went off in our run, Budget still just wanted to work,” Sami explained about her show runs in Rapid City, S.D. this past February.
Sami in action. [Photo: Scootem-N-Shootem Photography]
Budget is a 13-year-old gelding sired by ‘MJG Morgans Dun It’ crossed with the dam, ‘Miss Paid By’. Sami said she and Budget were honored to qualify for the Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships this year and plan on making it a goal to train harder and for more specific events, so they can qualify and travel to compete in 2024.
“Sami has come a long way in her riding. This is rewarding for everyone involved and very deserved,” added Anderson.
According to the AQHA website: The Versatility Ranch Horse competition promotes the athletic ability and versatility of the horse and is demonstrated in six classes – ranch riding, ranch trail, ranch cutting, ranch reining, ranch cow work, and ranch conformation. There are divisions for open, amateur, cowboy and youth.
Tisa Peek is a long-time horse trainer, competitor in barrel racing and team roping, and writer about the equine. Rodeo and horses run deep in her roots. JT Family Equine is where she calls home, south of Bismarck, ND. Tisa, along with her husband, Jon, and boys, Blu and River, train horses and host clinics. Tisa is the host for Dakota Cowboy on BEK TV.