Welcome to Garnet Spur Equestrian
Kate Lockhart - Head Coach
Whitney Smith - Assistant Coach
Whitney Smith - Assistant Coach
Kate has been in the horse industry for over 45 years. She sat on her first horse at the tender age of five in Palos Verdes, California and was hooked, She wrote up business plans complete with who would train her how much it cost and even a mileage chart for rides to and from the barn. This was no easy task in the 1980's with no interne
Kate has been in the horse industry for over 45 years. She sat on her first horse at the tender age of five in Palos Verdes, California and was hooked, She wrote up business plans complete with who would train her how much it cost and even a mileage chart for rides to and from the barn. This was no easy task in the 1980's with no internet to assist.
By the time she was 9 her parents folded and she was well on her way to an impressive riding career. Kate progressed through the local show system to the "AA" show circuit becoming one of the top ranked juniors in the mid 1980's.
Moving to Park City, Utah in the late 80's brought her to many local barns to help ride and train green and troublesome horses.
Life took a turn and she spent many years being a Wife, Mother and building her Business Consulting Company. She always had in the back of her mind she would come back to this world at some point.
She loves to nurture riders in this sport, and empower them with an uplifting kind coaching program.
Whitney Smith - Assistant Coach
Whitney Smith - Assistant Coach
Whitney Smith - Assistant Coach
Whitney has loved horses since before she was born and was lucky to grow up with parents who supported that passion. She began her riding journey in Michigan, showing hunter-jumpers, competing in 4H and high school equestrian team, and later playing polo for Michigan State University. She has taught lessons throughout the years, enjoys sk
Whitney has loved horses since before she was born and was lucky to grow up with parents who supported that passion. She began her riding journey in Michigan, showing hunter-jumpers, competing in 4H and high school equestrian team, and later playing polo for Michigan State University. She has taught lessons throughout the years, enjoys skijoring in the winter, and has a special passion for retraining ex-racehorses—starting with Turbo, her first, who stayed with her for 20 years.
In addition to her work with horses, Whitney is a full-time firefighter/paramedic and part-time ski patroller. She loves hiking and backpacking, and brings that same adventurous spirit to her teaching. Her instruction style is encouraging and empowering, designed to help riders build the same confidence and joy that horses have given her.
