Team Netherwood
Kristen "Krissy" Smith
Owner/Trainer
Krissy received her first pony “Jitterbug” when she was 3 years old. Throughout her childhood she competed at many local horse shows, earning numerous ribbons and awards.
Krissy hunts with the Rombout Hunt as a senior member with colors, and is a member of the Millbrook Hunt. She has also hunted with many different clubs in the U.S., England and Ireland.
Krissy graduated with a Bachelor of Professional Studies at Cazenovia College where she majored in Business Management and minored in Equine Business Management. She earned her Level 5 riding instructor certification through the Certified Horsemanship Association.
Krissy trains horses at all levels. In addition to the wealth of knowledge she gained from her Dad, Krissy continues her own training by attending clinics with Michael Page, Ryan Wood, Mark Thompson, Buck Davidson, Boyd and Silva Martin, and Daniel Joslyn (international 4-Star event rider), among many others.
The epitome of a well-rounded professional horsewoman, Krissy instructs all levels of riders from beginner to advanced; trains young horses, green horses and clients’ horses; transports horses to various events where she competes and coaches her students; and attends and conducts clinics.
Joanne "Jo" Blackmore
Barn Manager
Jo is a professional equestrian who manages our horses, facilities and humans. She assists with training, riding lessons, fox hunting and is a talented competitor that you don't mind losing to at horse trials.
Originally from the UK, Jo started riding at the age of four. She worked and trained with international show jumper Pauline Ricketts, competing her own horse up to the Prelim level. In the mid-1990s Jo took a break from horses and worked on cruise ships as a personal trainer/group fitness instructor, which allowed her to travel to the Caribbean, South America, Bermuda and Alaska.
In 1999 Jo moved to the Hudson Valley to help set up one of the first British Horse Society approved training centers in the US. Her experience and abilities earned her respect throughout the region as she lent her expertise to various equestrian endeavors.
As a member of Team Netherwood, Jo patiently works to improve the partnership between our clients and their horses. Her dedication to the sport is evident whether she is dashing across the fields with the Millbrook Hunt as the 2nd flight field master, or riding at regional three day eventing competitions.
An avid runner, when Jo is not riding, she's usually running a marathon or at Crossfit.
Courtney Hart
Assistant
Courtney started riding at the age of six after helping her grandfather with his driving horses. When she was twelve, she bought her first horse, Lace, training the mare on her own and competing at local shows through her teen years.
Since 2006 Courtney has worked at Netherwood Acres, learning horsemanship and horse care while working side by side with Bob, Lisa and Kristen Smith.
After receiving her Bachelor of Science dual degree in Political Science and Secondary Social Studies Education at SUNY Potsdam, she completed her MS in Literacy and Special Education at Mount St. Mary College. She splits her time between teaching in upstate NY and working at Netherwood, leading rides, giving riding lessons and assisting in the running the barn.
