Jessica Smith: More Than Just a Winner

Jessica Smith embodies what every amateur aspires to be. She is a strong and gracious horsewoman, who has found a way to balance work-life and horses. Jessica and her young horse Haute Couture made strides in their second derby together this past weekend. She was one of 33 entries in the $5000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. All of Jessica’s hard work paid off at Blenheim Spring Series; she won The Plaid Horse High Score Amateur Rider Award.

Jessica grew up in Northern, California and was surrounded by horses her entire life. As she grew up and went to college, she took some time off from riding. When her professional career began to blossom, she did not have the time she used to for horses. But, eventually, she was drawn back to them. Jessica got back in the saddle three and a half years ago and has not looked back. In the beginning of her lease with her first horse, she was traveling four times a week. She found it difficult to balance work with her passions. Ultimately, she moved to a position at The Wonderful Company that allowed her to focus on her love for horses more. 

And one may ask how does she balance everyday adult life and riding? Every morning she rides at 6:30 in the morning. As a working amateur, who pays all her bills, time at the barn is valuable. Trainer Nikki Husky commends Jessica on her willingness to help around the barn with whatever is needed. Jessica assures she is there for every appointment with the vet and makes sure she can spend valuable time working with her horse on the ground. Not only does she focus on her and her horse, but she also is a great friend and support system to everyone in the barn. She helps her trainer with catch rides, lessons, and hacking the other horses in the barn. Trainer Nikki Husky believes, “she is one of the hardest working individuals I have ever met…..she is a great role model to everyone in the barn.” 

Originally Published on The Plaid Horse. Written by Kaitlyn Yourkoski