The Future of the Bluegrass - Emilee Smith
Wednesday, March 28, 2007

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by Renee Isaacs

Emilee Smith is the 11-year-old daughter of Jeff and Lori Smith of Olive Hill, Ky. She has been involved with horses most of her life. Smith rode her first pleasure horse when she was only four years old, which was owned by the late Mose Oppenheimer.
Smith is in the sixth grade and attends Olive Hill Middle School in Olive Hill, Ky. Smith has carried a 4.0 grade point average straight through her school years. Outside horses, her hobbies are roller skating and bowling with friends and family. Her favorite color is yellow and she loves to eat out, especially at Rafferty’s in Lexington.
Attending college is definitely in her plans after she graduates from high school and foresees being a veterinarian as her career.
Smith enjoys going to Florida on vacation and used to spend time with her late aunt, Jama. She has three dogs and, believe it or not, each of them are named after a trainer.
Smith has been influenced in her riding career by Donnie Oppenheimer. He started her out on a walking mule. After she did well on the mule, he then decided to step her up a notch to a walking horse.
Smith made her debut in the ring aboard her first show horse, A Dose Of Poison, at the age of eight in 2004 at the National Trainers’ Show under the direction of Oppenheimer.  After this show, Smith knew she wanted to be in the ring as much as possible. Smith’s older sister, Cassie Buckner, cheers her on and is very proud of her.
So far, Smith’s biggest accomplishment is winning the UPRHTA 17 and Under Championship in Prestonsburg, Ky.
At the young age of 11, Smith has already begun purchasing her own horses. Smith purchased two broodmares from Danny and Susan Erwin so that she can raise her own show horses.
The Black Night Shade is Smith’s favorite world champion because he is a half brother to her first show horse, A Dose Of Poison, and because he is so beautiful.
Smith was given a lucky charm from her parents. She wears the horseshoe pendant every time she enters the ring in hopes to come out a winner. Smith currently shows Night Vision in the 11 and under division, Hold On Loosely in the Juvenile Show Pleasure and Counselor’s Heartbeat in the Walking Pony division. Smith says she is competitive, but she mostly just enjoys showing and spending time with her horses.
Her plans in 2007 are to show at the National Celebration and to show at as many shows as possible.

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