Riding Disciplines
Showjumping Eventing
Horses
Quite Cassini, Doyata , Carlson 83 , Cupido Castello, Conquest , Miss Money Penny, Colorado MVNZ , Capioera , Rangeview Amigo, Romantic Dream , Balmoral Cougar Pedy.
Breed(s)
All purpose but mainly European bred and imported horses , all specifically chosen to be produced to the upper levels and sold.
Name the most influential person in your riding career and why?
Several people firstly my parents Bruce and Judy Smith , they taught me that to achieve you have to work hard and believe in what you are doing . My parents have been around horses all their lives and their knowledge and horsemanship has been so influential in what we are doing today .
Coloman De Bolgar a living legend in his day he taught me at a young age to understand the horse and train yourself to be disciplined .
Later years my wife Mel she has taught me the art of presentation of the horses and to have faith in what we do .
Describe your riding history:
We grew up riding horses before we could walk , lived in the country in North Canterbury in the South island of NZ where we had ponies and rode all through our junioryears competing at pony club level and also ESNZcompetitions , when i left school i rode hacks and competed all over NZ up to the Grand Prix level in showjumping and Advanced level in eventing . In the mid nineties i decided to go to the USA and ride and work it was there that i achieved some very goos results and rodde at some amazing venues . I won the lone Star Grand prix in Dallas Texas and was placed in several other major GP classes all over the USA , i was also extremely lucky to qualify to ride a horse at Madison Square gardens in New York which was the biggest indoor show in America
Upon returning from the USA i have based out of Australia and New Zealand doing the showjumping seasons in both countries .
In 2013 Mel and i sat down and made a family decision to base permanently in Australia , we have bought a place in conjunction with her brother Matthew and his partner Ashley in Kalbar Qld which we are now setting up as a training establishment and also sale business .
Special highlights in your riding history:
Winning the Lone star GP in Dallas Texas
Winning the Gatton World cup in 2012 , winning the New Zealand super league series in 2011 and 2012, Danniverke World Cup and numerous other world cup pplacings , also won a large number of GP classes through out the season in New Zealand leading up to our moving to Australia
Also rode for New Zealand in the 2013 Trans tasman series .
What are your ambitions?
To run a successful business in the training and producing of top level horses .
Continue to train students to the highest level and introduce more people into this sport.
Spend as much time with my family as possible .
Have you trained or coached any riders who have had success?
We have trained a number of riders to achieve great results .
Hayley Morris represented NZ in YR classes and has had some great wins and placings whilst here in Australiaalready, Olivia Robertson represented NZ in YR classes, Stacey Anderson 2nd in the NZ YR series, Becky Harkess 2nd in NZ pony GP at HOY , Harry Feast placed in the NZ junior YR class at HOY , Amanda Roy placed in several GP classes, Matthew Gaskeleading Qld event rider . plus a large number of students who have achieved personal best results at all levels .
Special care and management considerations of your horse(s):
All our horses have individual programmes and management , we have a pulse rug which is used all the time , before after and during the show season , we have a vet look at our horses on a regular basis to check that they are all fit and well .
We believe that the right combination of fee , therapeutics , and horsemanship are paramount to our business and Prydes plays a very important role in this.