Ocala, FL – The Championship Show 2024 is officially underway at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC), with NSBA and AQHA approved competition running through September 15. Today’s highlight was the $35,000 NSBA 3-Year-Old Ranch Riding class in Indoor Arena 5.
Thirteen horse-and-rider combinations competed over a challenging pattern, but Bud Lyon of Whitesboro, Texas, guided his and Kim Lyon’s They Not Like Us (Electric Snow x Lil Night Rider) to victory.
Reflecting on the three-year-old gelding’s journey, Bud shared, “We bought him as a yearling, and he’s been with us in training since he was two. I actually bought him as an investment, but my wife claimed him. I don’t think I’ll be able to make money off him now—he might just cost me more,” he laughed. “But, winning this class helps offset that.”
Speaking about what made the horse stand out, he added, “He has great self-carriage, expression, and athleticism—qualities we look for in ranch classes. He’s very trainable, which makes him a perfect candidate.”
Lyon thought the pattern was quite the challenge, “When we first saw the pattern, we thought it was going to be a little too challenging for our young three-year-olds, but it was just right. It allowed the judges to weed through the exhibitors and place the horses based on their performance. That’s always what you want, in my opinion, you don’t want to leave it to a test of subjectivity, you want the best horses to shine and earn that merit, which I think this pattern allowed them to do.”
The prize money was a draw for Lyon to come and compete at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, “When we heard about the opportunities here, we were excited. We brought 33 horses and several trailers. World Equestrian Center – Ocala is recognizing Ranch Riding, which is becoming the most popular western discipline. This kind of prize money is new for us, and WEC is setting the standard for our discipline’s future.”
$35,000 NSBA 3-Year-Old Ranch Riding – Top Three Results:
1 They Not Like Us, Bud Lyon, Kim and Bud Lyon
2 SS Walk The Line, Jordan Taylor Martin, Jordan Taylor Martin
3 ChecClearsAtMidnight, Bud Lyon, Katie Fellion