Testimonials

We have had the pleasure of training Samantha since her foot first hit the stirrup.  Her strongest traits as a rider is being able to navigate a course with style and accuracy with horses both new and old.

She has been a catch-rider for various trainers with extremely different types of horses and training techniques which has taught her to learn quickly on unfamiliar horses while entering the show ring. 

A memorable moment for our time with Sam was the week she won the medal at Pony Finals.  Going into the week we were expecting her to ride a pony hunter and were hoping to find a ride for her in the medal.  Unfortunately, the pony hunter fell through, but Samantha's spirits stayed high as well as her attitude.  We were fortunate enough to have been offered a medal pony for Samantha to ride, and her ability to learn a new horse so quickly enabled her to win at finals.

Any NCEA team would be lucky to have a rider with such a good eye and strong abilities on the flat.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sam Smith, and she is an exceptionally motivated, hardworking, and adaptable young rider. I have given her several catch rides including a talented but challenging pony which she rode to win the 2023 pony medal finals on.  Her ability to adjust to a wide range of horses, combined with her strong work ethic and steady determination, sets her apart in and out of the ring. Sam consistently brings a focused, positive attitude to every ride and every challenge, and I have no doubt she will be a valuable asset to any NCEA team and will thrive in a collegiate setting.

I have had the joy of knowing Samantha since the day she was born, and it has been incredible to watch her grow into the exceptional young equestrian and person she is today. She is not only an incredibly talented rider who can adapt to and connect with a wide range of horses, but also an outstanding student of the sport.

She listens intently, asks thoughtful and insightful questions, and is always eager to learn and improve. Her honesty, humility, and team spirit make her a true asset to any barn or competitive team. Whether in the ring or out, Sam brings a positive attitude, quiet determination, and genuine passion for the horses and the sport. I have no doubt she has a bright future ahead, and I am proud to know her.