Originally from Arkansas, Sam has been riding and showing reiners since he was very young. As a Youth and Non-Pro exhibitor, Sam was a multiple NRHA Futurity and Derby finalist, multiple NRHA top-ten year end award earner, IBHA World Champion, and top five AQHYA World Show.

In 2003, Sam gave up his Non-Pro card and began riding and showing for customers of Schaffhauser Stables with his father, Randy. Since that time, Sam has been an NRHA Intermediate Open Futurity top ten, NRHA Limited Open Futurity top five, and multiple NRHA top-five year end award earner. He has also been a successful Non-Pro coach, with multiple NRHA World Champions and year end top fives, NRHA Non-Pro Derby finalists, Congress Limited Non-Pro Futurity Reserve Champion, and IBHA World Champions.

In 2011, his first year with McQuay Stables, Sam was Champion in the inaugural Spooks Gotta Whiz Developing Horse Level 2 Futurity at the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic. He was also Champion in the Hollywoodstinseltown Open Level 2 Derby at the ATRC, and Champion in the Limited Open Futurity at the High Roller Reining Classic.

Sam now resides in Tioga, TX with his wife, Jeanna, and their 3 year old daughter, Becca.