Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Smith.
Hi Lindsey , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always been drawn to horses, since before I can remember. My parents have a video of me as a two year old on Christmas morning delighting in my gift of a rocking horse. At the end of the day, my parents had to peel me off of it, but not before I had bruises all over my feet and legs from hours and hours “riding” it.
As soon as I was old enough, I began taking riding lessons, and it was as if time stopped for me. Those moments in the saddle were magical. I felt like I could fly, like I could do anything, and nothing else mattered. In my early teens I began competing, first at the local and state levels, and working up to national competitions, ultimately qualifying for and competing at the Washington International Horse Show (a National level competition for top riders in each division) in 2002.
I then went to college, but it quickly became apparent that my heart was in horses. So I began teaching horses and riders professionally while still in school. Over decades, I’ve worked my way up in the industry. I became a professional and moved to Ocala, Florida to expand my knowledge at the highest levels of the sport and ride for international Grand Prix rider Aaron Vale in Ocala, Florida.
I moved to Texas in 2010 to serve as Head Trainer for Kings Bridge Farm. In 2017, my dream of owning my own farm came true and we opened up Still Point Farm. I haven’t looked back since!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not much about my industry is easy. Worth it, yes. But, easy, No.
Building a horse facility takes significant start up capital, which was something we lacked. Wee had to make up for that by doing A LOT of the work ourselves. Every fence post on the property was set in the ground by myself and a small group of my incredibly devoted students. We built stalls, poured concrete, built jumps for the horses, moved sand… the list goes on and on. The amount of blood, sweat, and tears poured into this place is outrageous, but that was what it required.
Even when the farm is built, keeping it going with happy, healthy horses is a daily act of love to the animals and this sport. It’s hard to describe the amount of time and energy required. There’s unrelenting emotional, physical, and financial strain. But I am still that kid who didn’t want to get off her rocking horse, and I give this business my all day after day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a horse training facility specializing in jumpers, hunters, and equitation. That’s an English style of horseback riding where horse and rider teams focus on technical accuracy and style with jumping.
We take a unique approach to our training, with a heavy focus on building a proper foundation for both horse and rider. We don’t cut corners, because we know it eventually leads to gaps in education for both horses and riders. The best way to set riders up for success to enjoy this sport both emotionally and competitively is to give them the right set of skills from the start.
Our philosophy centers on horsemanship, patience, and doing things the right way the first time. We believe success in the ring comes from strong fundamentals, thoughtful preparation, and a true partnership between horse and rider. Every program is individualized, because no two horses or riders learn the same way.
We’re especially proud of the supportive culture we’ve built. I joke that it’s a “farm-ily” because you really do build amazing friendships and connections in this sport. We want our riders to feel encouraged, safe, and challenged in a healthy way. The barn is a place that creates lifelong friendships. We celebrate progress at every level, whether that’s a first horse show or a championship round.
Horse welfare is also a core part of our brand. Proper care, conditioning, and mental well-being are non-negotiable here. Happy horses make better athletes and better partners. From jumping huge fences to simply being our best friends, these horses do so much for us. The best way we can repay them is to keep their welfare at the forefront of everything we do.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Placing second in the nation at the WIHS Children’s Jumpers Final in Washington D. C. A lot of my competition was used to traveling all over the country to show, and that big stage was familiar to them. But for me, it was the culmination of many years of mucking stalls to get extra riding time and doing everything I could for that one shot at finals. My horse was right there for me every step of the way, and we did our best. It was an incredible experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stillpointfarmtx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stillpointfarmtx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StillPointFarmTX
Image Credits
Jerry Mohme Photography, Heather N. Photography, Winslow Photography
