Bridging the Gap Between Horse and Human

Lee Smith is more than an instructor; she is a dedicated advocate for the horse whose teachings are deeply rooted in the practicalities of ranch life. Based in Estancia, New Mexico, Lee and her husband, Mark, operate a cow-calf operation and raise quality Quarter horses at their Harmony Hills Ranch. Since 1991, Lee has traveled extensively, conducting hundreds of clinics and demonstrations across the United States, Australia and Canada, as well as teaching ranch horse classes at Harmony Hills. Despite her decades of leadership, she remains a humble "student of the horse," committed to the lifelong journey of learning.

Lee is widely recognized as a gifted and eloquent teacher with an extraordinary ability to translate the silent language of horses. She possesses a rare insight into the equine mind, often "speaking for the horse" to help students observe the subtle exchanges of communication that often go unnoticed. Her teaching style is a pathway of discovery, guiding riders to unlock their potential by understanding the mind, body, and spirit of their equine partners. By focusing on what happens naturally, she shows her students how to recognize and build upon those profound moments of harmony that define a true connection.

The core of Lee’s philosophy is the establishment of a willing partnership built on mutual trust and respect, rather than force or fear. Her clinics are designed to prepare both horse and rider for higher levels of performance by replacing resistance with softness and responsiveness. Lee believes that a horse should be gentle and relaxed in every situation, a goal achieved through clear communication and physical balance.

Ultimately, Lee teaches that the answers we seek in horsemanship often lie within ourselves. Whether you are focused on ranch work, competition, or recreation, Lee Smith provides the essential skills to cultivate a confident horse and a more insightful rider.

Because of the Horse...

I've learned to see how blessed I am to have him as a teacher, one who allows me to learn about him while I endeavor to share with him things that will improve his life.

Because of the Horse, I have learned the importance of using my skills and experience to cause the outcome to be the horse’s idea.

Because of the Horse, he has taught me there is nothing I can ask the horse to do that he does not already know how to do. The prize is getting him to do what he knows for me when I request it.

Because of the Horse, I get to meet the most caring people and travel around the world doing what I love. I get to meet thousands of the most willing horses and their owners who enjoy learning.