Sam Smith’s performance at the Alberta Barrel Racing Association Finals held Aug. 23 to 26 in Ponoka proved without a shadow of a doubt she is a name to be reckoned with in the rodeo world.
The 15-year-old Rimbey area barrel racer went home with an impressive array of prizes, including cash and buckles and, as a final coup, not one, but two saddles.
Smith’s mom, Nicole said it was her daughter’s first ever saddle win and she is very proud of her.
“She honestly won so much dollars and so many prizes we have yet to even sort it out because she was on to her next finals; the Lakeland Rodeo Finals at St. Paul. We are just so extremely excited and proud of her accomplishments.”
Smith, who qualified for the provincials with her two barrel horses, Sir Max Mo Jet, also known as Clutch and Ettabo Kid, also known as Locket, competed in the youth event in which there was 150 entries.
The young barrel racer won the first and second go-rounds on Clutch, winning Troy Fischer buckles each day. She also placed high on Locket and came into the short round leading in the average with Clutch and sitting fourth with Locket.
She finished the final round in a tie and both young competitors ended up winning the short go saddle.
Smith also won forth in the final round with her horse, Locket.
Clutch claimed first in the average, winning a Troy Fischer buckle and Locket took third.
The saddle presented to Smith who won high point with her horse, Clutch had special meaning as it was a Bob Baker Memorial Saddle donated by Rayel Robinson and Grant Liddle.
“Locket came close behind in the hi point tying for a 4, 5, 6 split,” said Sam’s mom, Nicole.
“All in all it was an outstanding weekend for Sam and her amazing mounts. She ran some of her personal best times in that arena and was very, very excited.”
Smith said she was surprised to do so well at the Provincials and gives all the credit to her horses.
“My horses decided to work very well. They put their hearts into it.”
She said she is pleased to have won the saddles, noting she will keep them at home along with saddles won by her sisters, 19-year-old Taylor and 14-year-old Kennedy.