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Writer's pictureBenjamin McFarlane

Molly Smith: National Champion in Adult Amateur Working Hunter



We heard through the grapevine that a New Brunswick rider (from Ilsand View) had just won first in her category at the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair in Toronto. Competing at the renowned Royal Winter Fair, she and her horse, Joshua, took home the top spot in the Adult Amateur Working Hunter division. We were curious to learn more about it, so we asked the winner herself, Molly Smith.

What is the Royal Winter Fair?

It's a competition that has been running for 102 years. For equestrians we work all year to qualify top in our division to compete here. This is where the best from across Canada meet to compete against each other in their respective divisions.

What kind of work did it take to get yourself and Joshua ready to compete at a national level?

We decided this time last year that it was going to be a goal for 2024 to compete at the Royal. We started training from that moment. With countless trips to our trainer located in Nova Scotia, the winter spent in Ocala, Florida, training and spring, summer, and fall spent in Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia competing at the national level chasing points. Any downtime at home spent in Island View, New Brunswick, right outside of Fredericton was spent training at home. It truly is a team effort to get it all done—from my trainer, family, vet, and farrier.

Of all equestrian events, what attracted you to the Working Hunter event in particular?

I originally competed as a show jumper, but in 2016 I started working for a very well-known hunter rider in the States. From then on, I was converted to the sport. We purchased Joshua in 2020 as a 4-year-old and started the process then. For those who don’t know the sport, it is equivalent to comparing hockey and figure skating. I saw the challenge in hunters and took it upon us to achieve that goal.

What people have helped you or inspired you to seriously pursue equestrian sport?

There are countless people who have inspired me, but a few of the most important ones are my sister Sally, my parents Dave and Caroll, my fiancé Andy, my trainer Lindsay, and most importantly, my horse, Joshua. He’s the key to this all.


And finally, while you have the stage, is there anything else you’d like to say regarding your sport or equestrian career?


It’s a really tough sport mentally, physically, and financially. I’ve been working at this for 27 years, and it’s all for the love of the horse. I truly do believe hard work does pay off. There are a lot of good life lessons in horses; so, for those competitive riders out there, keep it up. Thank you Molly, for taking the time for a quick Q&A. Congratulations again on your win, and good luck!

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