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Guy, Benson and Karen Smith
Photo Credit - Avis
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I started riding in 1989 with Don Brockman in Neenah, WI and purchased my first horse, Red Flame (a four year old Saddlebred) one month after I began lessons.
My next horse, Benson, was my love at first sight. A
big, handsome, black gelding whose kindness and wonderful
spirit has made him a lifetime horse. He is retired at
a wonderful boarding facility close to home and we enjoy our
time together as much as ever. His show name is
Spectacular Event and although I never showed him, I am
frequently asked about his health and well-being from many
of his fans. He knows many trick and still loves to
show off.
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Blue Denim was my first show horse who I received as a
surprise birthday gift two years ago amidst much fanfare
from my husband Guy. I'm still not sure how he ever
kept it a secret. It was a truly memorable
birthday! Blue and I started my first year of showing,
in 2000, in the Show Pleasure classes under the direction of
Lance Hayes. It was a dramatic change after spending
ten years of unstructured riding. the most special
ribbon was a first blue at Summerfun Horse Show in
Waukesha. Blue and I worked so hard all season and
finally pulled it together.
We currently own three horses, Benson, Carmelita Santana
and Kalarama's New Sensation. Each is a very special
horse. I can't remember a more terrific feeling this
year than winning a ribbon at Midwest Charity with Lynda on
the rail and Guy waiting at the out gate. I've been
with other trainers but feel fortunate to have found Andy
and Lynda this early in our show careers. We are
convinced that our success this year has been through their
hard work, dedication, great integrity and character.
| Although I'm not currently practicing, I am a B.S.N.R.N.
with a specialty in neonatal care. I've been a
volunteer for the local humane society in the Pet Therapy
Program and spent time as a Hospice volunteer.
Currently, I manage our commercial properties. It has been wonderful to share my passion for horses with
Guy and his win at Louisville in 2000 with Carmelita will
always remain an outstanding moment for us. In
addition to horses, Guy and I enjoy travel, art exhibits,
reading, trapshooting and time spent with our parents.
Additionally, I have a love for the silver-screen and
cooking. We enjoy our life in Black Creek, WI and
walking in our woods with Monte, our much loved Standard
Poodle. We look forward to eventually having some
retired Saddlebreds to fill our empty stable.
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Guy and Karen in New Orleans
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Next year will be very challenging as I plan to do
whatever is required to achieve the riding skills necessary
to compete and win a ribbon at Louisville. The highlight
of this past year has been meeting at Hollow Haven, the
nicest group of people ever, who share my enthusiasm and
love of horses and whose kindness and support has been
overwhelming!
Foundly,
Karen R. Smith
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