Our trainers.

Janeen Smith

Janeen Smith began riding gaited horses and her own jumper pony at the age of 5. 

At age 19, Janeen left for England to study to become a trainer, where she studied for and passed the BHS Trainer Certificate. After passing (with highest marks) Janeen continued to train and show throughout Europe. Upon her return to US, Janeen continued her education working with trainers throughout the US and developed her own training stables in Santa Ana, Marin County, Salem, Oregon, established the Eastern North Carolina University Equestrian Program, and in Freehold, NJ before coming back to CA. Janeen’s excellence in training comes from an explicit understanding of training systems and decades of understanding how to identify the problem at hand and give solutions. 

Over the years, several of Janeen’s long time students long-listed for our US Team; many students reached the Medal Finals, and at least 8 students are now professional trainers throughout the US.

  • Certificate from British Horse Society

  • Studied at famous Porlock Vale Equestrian Center

  • Trained with former Olympians, Col. Crawford, Col. Llewellyn, Chris Giannarokous, Major Valko

  • Several students long-listed for U.S. Team

  • Several students reached Medal Finals

  • Many students became professional trainers

  • Was able to compete at international levels 

Colin Daly

Colin Daly is a Bay Area Native who grew up in Sonoma County, competing in Hunters and Equitation. 

After taking a break from horses and at the completion of his undergraduate studies he worked as an assistant to Nancy Patton and developed a training program under her guidance. Over the years Colin was fortunate to work with mentors from various disciplines including Show Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, all of whom helped him excel in understanding the ins and outs of training horse and rider. After many years developing a show team in the East Bay and then working with private clients in Santa Barbara, Colin returned to the Bay Area. He was offered an opportunity to work with a number of Junior riders and delighted at the prospect of developing a program with Janeen. 

  • Riders go on to consistently compete successfully in Hunter, Equitation, Medal and Jumper Divisions. 

  • Trained the UC Davis IHSA Team to national level awards 1999-2002 

  • Has been pivotal in developing IEA teams, as coach, taking riders in both Team and Individuals competition to Nationals 10 years running. He is the acting IEA Zone 10 Administrator. 

  • Works actively on National IEA committees and is eager to see the next generation of riders develop solid horsemanship skills 

  • Not only survived successfully training First Field horses for the Hunt in Santa Ynez, but rather enjoyed it! 

  • Has an extensive background in equestrian facility design and an MFA in Interior Architecture