TREVOR and Steven Smith of Smith Brothers Eventing hosted a highly successful open day at Ballymac Stables, Gilford last Sunday in aid of the Air Ambulance NI (AANI).

Guests gathered to enjoy an informal day of demonstrations and networking, compered by renowned equine commentator and AANI Board Member, Raymond Bready.

The afternoon provided a unique insight into their operation, both as a unique setting for the production and training of horses to the highest levels of the sport of eventing, and as a High Performance Centre of Excellence for those wishing to base, train and compete with the team.

Demos were held throughout the afternoon, with candid commentary from Steven and Trevor Smith, who shared amusing and informative accounts of a lifetime’s experience in horses.

Resident international rider, Casey Webb, whose progression through the sport has been managed by the Smiths, from Pony Club Level, as an Irish Young Rider at European level and in the Irish Senior Team, showcased a selection of her horses. These ranged from young prospects she hopes will qualify for Young Event Horse classes at this year’s Dublin Horse Show, to four-star horses that the team is hopeful will compete at international level this coming season.

Casey said: “Today is a great opportunity to show the quality of horses we are producing at Smith Brothers. I am very fortunate to have a really supportive team of owners behind me.”

High performance international athlete Yu Xuan Su has been based at Ballymac Stables with his three horses since December 2022. Yu Xuan hopes to achieve a top result as part of Team Hong Kong at the 2023 Asian Games, taking place in Huangzhou, China, (September 23rd - October 9th).

International dressage judge, Alan Dewhurst, who had flown over from England for the day, provided an informative lesson during the dressage demo with riders Casey Webb and Yu Xuan Su. Yu Xuan explained: “I decided to make the move from England to train with Smith Brothers due to their reputation for training riders to the highest levels. The facilities here are superb and I am confident I will get the very best out of my horses with the constant support from Trevor and Steven and the wider team at Ballymac Stables.”

College collaboration

Smith Brothers Eventing works closely with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Enniskillen, enabling students on the Young Professional Programme to enrol in the BHS Equine Apprenticeship.

Students from the Smith Brothers Eventing ‘Young Professional Programme’ participated in demos, showcasing the riding skills they have learned under their tutelage.

Among them were Stage 3 BHS Equine Apprentice and recent winner of the three-star Winter Tour at Portmore, Hollie Smith, young Irish rider and 2021 leading junior in the Eventing Ireland Northern Region, Sarah O’Shea, and upcoming event rider Myah McClean, who plans to make her Eventing Ireland debut this year.

The Young Professional Programme is aimed at a variety of students, including international students wishing to base and train at Smith Brothers and ambitious young equestrians wishing to achieve formal qualifications while gaining practical experience working on a professional yard.

Jenny Richardson, equine lecturer at CAFRE, explained: “The BHS Equine Apprenticeship at CAFRE provides students with a unique opportunity to achieve formal qualifications whilst gaining practical experience in a work environment. It is a starting point for taking qualifications to coach in the future and provides valuable opportunities for forging professional links with other equestrians working in Northern Ireland and beyond.”

Compere Raymond Bready discusses breeding and producing successful event horses with renowned horse producer, Terry Johnston at the Smith Brothers Open Day \ Tori O'Connor Photography

Bringing out the best

Steven Smith explained: “Bringing out the very best in every horse that comes through our doors is what drives us. We aim to provide every horse in our care with the best experience and education we possibly can. As you can see, our horses are confident and happy and that is what ultimately leads to results and success.”

Trevor Smith added: “We are delighted to have so many of our current owners, clients, fellow equestrians, new friends and sponsors here with us today. We get such a sense of satisfaction from watching event riders and horses that have come through our programme succeed.

“It’s great to see so many of them here under one roof and to have this opportunity to reflect on our shared experiences and hopes for the future. We have an exceptional team of owners for which we are very thankful. Having enjoyed some great days in the sport over the years as competitors, it is our priority now to help others achieve their ambitions.”