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Testimonials

“Donna’s attitude is always professional, not only with her dealings with the horses she produces and rides, but also in the way she deals with officials and her fellow competitors. I regard her ability as a rider and competitor with great respect.”

4* dressage judge

Anne Tylee

Dave and Bridget Sutton recommended Donna Smith to us when we bought Henton First Edition (Fraser) as a 3 year old. Under Donna's  supervision and expertise, he is developing the confidence and skills to move up the grades. He has talent but it has been  Donna's skill and professionalism and her calm manner which is giving Fraser confidence. Donna loves what she does and has a great connection with horses. As owners, we are really enjoying the experience of seeing Fraser develop under Donna's very thorough approach to bringing out the best in our young horse.
Dean, Mandy & Anna Beverley

Beverley Family

Donna Smith is an international event rider and trainer who rode for New Zealand at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. One of the most sportsmanlike and professional riders on the local circuit, Donna has produced many, many horses to Advanced level.
A former champion show jumper at Young Rider level, Donna is the current National 3* 3DE Champion, with her home-produced thoroughbred Balmoral Tangalooma. She is also the current National One-Day Champion with her and Sarah Varley's Just Chocolate.
Donna was based in the US for seven years with Olympic gold medalist David O'Connor, but is now based at her parents' Waerenga property, where she runs her successful business.

NZ Horse & Pony Magazine

“We are only as good as the team behind the scenes that support us.”

Donna Smith

When I first started having lessons with Donna I had a horse who's canter was more like a run, no collection, just flat. My horse would jump through jumps, would bounce one stride combinations, so on and so forth. With Donna alone as my instructor my horse and I have been consistently double clear before that had never ever done a clear round of show jumping and have since come first in an optimum time round with 30 competitors. I am now focusing on dressage and the improvements are incredible. No one is too big or too small for Donna, seen her give all her attention whether it's someone on a stubborn kick along pony or one of NZ's renowned eventers. The techniques and skill set that Donna teaches is straight forward and effective and I truly have no need for another coach. Dressage, show jumping, cross country, whatever you need. You will never come away without improvement and will consistently have 'the best lesson ever'.

Rebekah Greig