Sammy Jo Bird

Native Youth
September 2003

By Kari Zubach

Name: Sammy Jo Bird
Age: 11

Hometown: Cut Bank, Montana

Native American Heritage: Blackfeet

Pets: Tri-Pod (Sugar Glider), Rosie (dog), Cowgirl (puppy), Bob (cat)

Horses: Peggy Sue (Barrel Horse), Oprah (Barrel Horse, Break-Away Horse), Sparky and Pinto Pete (Miniature Ponies), Tuffie (Shetland), Reno (Race Horse)

Events Worked: Barrel Racing and Pole Bending

Favorite Event: Barrel Racing

Association member of: UIRA (United Indian Rodeo Association), IRCA (Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association), and NRA (Northern Rodeo Association) 

Rodeo Accomplishments: 2003 Fort Hall Junior Barrel Racing Champion, 2002 United Indian Rodeo Association and Finals Champion

When did you start an interest in rodeo? Around 5 years old

Do you have a lucky piece that you carry with you when you compete? "I have a lucky piece of horsehair from Rusty" (Yvette Vega’s Barrel Horse)

What sports other than rodeo do you enjoy? Basketball

What advice would you give Indian youth about rodeo? "Don’t do drugs, alcohol or smoke cigarettes" 

What advice would you give to Indian youth who wanted to participate in rodeo but didn’t have the resources or support to get involved? "Just follow your dreams and always reach for the stars"

Are there any songs that inspire you or pump you up before you rope? “John Deer Green” by Sammy Kershaw and “Dirty Deeds” by AC DC

What would you like to see more of at Indian Rodeo’s? More added money and more spectators

What is your favorite movie? Scooby Doo and Lizzie McGuire

Who is your favorite music? All kinds

What was your most memorable run? "All my great runs on Oprah"

Who is your all time hero? "My dad Sam Bird"

What Indian Cowgirl(s) influenced you to rodeo? "Yvette Vega and my mom Terry Hoyt"

Would you like to thank sponsors or anyone for your success in rodeo? "I would like to thank my Mom, Dad, Sister, Rosie, and the rest of my family and fans."


Here is a little bio that Sammy Jo wrote all by herself: "Hi my name is Sammy Jo Bird. I’m 11 years old. My hobbies are watching TV, playing the computer, riding horses, and roping. In the summer I usually ride horses, go to rodeos, go swimming, and playing with my friends. I love animals, summer, and my family. I was about 5 years old when I first started rodeoing. My first horse was Hank Snow, we had fun together for awhile. Then I got a new horse named Oprah, we won lots of money together. Just this year I got a new horse named Peggy Sue. I like her she is another keeper and hopefully we’ll be a big success too!! "

Do you know a Native Indian Youth who has worked hard to achieve their goals and accomplishments?  Would you like to be featured as a Native Youth role model?  

Indian Rodeo News asks for you to send in your story about yourself, who inspired you to ride, rodeo, ranch, etc.  You must be age 18 and under.   We welcome as many pictures you have to share with our readers.  Email your questions and or story to 
Gina@indianrodeonews.com