The added money ranch riding futurity and derby were new to the lineup for the 2020 Arizona Fall Championship. Bud Lyon took advantage of the new classes as he attended the Arizona Fall Championship for the first time. 

“We were fortunate enough to win the ranch riding three-and-four-year-old futurity and the five-and-six-year-old derby our first time at the Arizona Fall Championship,” Lyon states. “Both were great classes with a high level of competition from exhibitors and horses. We were happy with the way both horses performed.”

[WATCH: RANCH RIDING BASICS WITH BUD LYON]

Lyon won $2552 in the ranch riding derby aboard Crowd Pleaser owned by Kerry Papendick. Later in the week, Lyon earned an additional $2331 in the ranch riding futurity aboard Still Chasin You owned by Kelsey Flessner.

With the growing enthusiasm and interest in the ranch riding, Lyon expects the classes to continue to grow in the coming years. Participation in the inaugural futurity and derby at the Arizona Fall Championship shows a bright future for the ranch riding classes.  

“The ranch riding is gaining popularity as an AQHA class and versatility ranch horse class over the past decade,” Lyon explains. “The great thing about ranch riding is that there’s a place for everyone to participate and be competitive. Although the sport is evolving quickly, it still leaves room for all skillsets, experience levels, and ages to enjoy the horses and the event.”  

Lyon looks forward to attending the Arizona Fall Championship again in 2021 with excitement to see the aged ranch riding events grow and the added money purses increase. 

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