Extremely talented young equestrian rider COURTNEY SMITH (18) has the equestrian show world’s attention as she continues to make great inroads into her beloved sport.
Courtney is the daughter of 2012 NSW Provincial Trainer of the Year and vital member of Team Dynamic - DARREN SMITH.
On the 1st February 2012 Dynamic Syndications galloper
PERSISTENCY (Testa Rossa ex Rorkes) suffered a career ending injury in his first race and was immediately retired. A favourite around the Darren’s stables, the ownership group gifted the horse to Darren’s daughter Courtney for her to enjoy.
Affectionately named “Percy” by Courtney, the gelding was nursed back to health and then Courtney began the long process of educating Percy to his new equine career.
Success on local show circuit was immediate which is very unusual for such an inexperienced horse and youthful rider.
Courtney Smith & Percy in Action
Recently Courtney elected to take on the best and compete at the Equestrian Australia – “Horse of The Year Show” at Bathurst where she was placed 3rd in the Open Hack over 16hh class.
With the Top 2 going on to represent NSW at the National Titles at Werribee, this resulted in Courtney and Percy being given the honour of being 1st Reserve should something go amiss with either horse that finished infront of her. This is a great achievement for a young horse and rider combination.
Courtney giving Percy some much deserved recognition
Courtney and Percy then returned to Bathurst one week later compete again and such was continuing improvement, the pair combined to win 3 events on the day:
(1) Percy was awarded Champion Ridden Thoroughbred
(2) Percy also won the Novice Hack over 16.2hh and
(3) Percy performed beautifully for Courtney allowing her to win Champion Novice Lady Rider.
A beaming COURTNEY SMITH with PERCY and the Show Judge
Naturally the team at Dynamic Syndications is rightfully proud of both Courtney and Percy. We wish them well in their upcoming competitions.
We are also delighted for Percy’s original ownership group that when they retired him from racing gave him to such a good home, allowing him to develop in his new environment.