SA SADDLE HORSE | 7TH EDITION - Magazine - Page 4
A YOUNG HEART,
A BIG DREAM
Liane & Brave Knight
Surika standing by Liane
LIANÉ SMITH – RIDING TOWARDS GREATNESS
At just nine years old, Liané Smith from Benoni, Gauteng,
is already capturing hearts in the show ring with her
courage, dedication, and deep love for horses. Competing
in the walk-and-trot divisions Liané represents the
exciting future of the sport where passion, perseverance,
and partnership come together.
Liané’s journey with horses began when she was only
four years old, during the quiet days of the COVID-19
lockdown. What started as a young girl climbing into the
saddle quickly grew into a passion that would shape her
childhood. From the very 昀椀rst ride, something special
clicked, an unspoken connection between rider and
horse that continues to guide her every step in the arena.
Today, Liané trains under the dedicated guidance of Enid
Norton at Revelation Hill Equestrian Center, where she
has developed both her con昀椀dence and skill as a young
rider. Her results in the show ring have been nothing
short of impressive, earning multiple blue ribbons and
gaining recognition among her peers in the walk-and-trot
divisions.
One of the most memorable moments in her young
career came in 2025 at the Parys Christmas Festival,
where she proudly claimed the Under 12 Walk and
Trot Equitation title, a victory that remains her biggest
achievement so far. For Liané, that moment was not just
about winning, but about proving to herself that hard
work, patience, and belief can make dreams come true.
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Behind every young rider are the horses that shape them,
and Liané has been fortunate to ride several remarkable
partners, each one teaching her something unique.
Brave Knight, her striking dark bay companion, is a
horse she describes as the perfect teammate. “He rides
incredibly comfortable and has the most loving heart,”
she says. “He always takes care of me.”
Then there is Colour Me Dreamy, a chestnut gelding with
a very special story. Born and raised on her grandfather’s
farm, Dreamy carries a piece of family history in every
stride. “He is incredibly special to me,” Liané shares. “He
is just in another class and has the biggest heart.”
Her horse The Unstoppable has been her greatest
teacher. “He is my most challenging horse,” she admits,
“but he teaches me something every single time I ride
him. Because of him, I learn and grow as a rider.”
And 昀椀nally, there is Ebony, the mare she lovingly calls
her princess. Still young and green, Ebony represents the
promise of future partnerships. “I’ve only ridden her once
so far,” Liané says with excitement, “but I can’t wait for
when the time is right so I can ride her more.”
But beyond the horses and the ribbons, there is one
person Liané believes deserves the greatest credit for
her journey.
“None of this would be possible without my trainer,” she
says.
