lives in Westford, MA with her husband Jim Smith (and 2 cats). She works as a research scientist at Genzyme Corporation.

I have been an avid equestrian since childhood. I started lessons at the age of 10, and have been actively riding ever since. I participated in 4-H, pleasure and hunt seat riding until college, where I was introduced to eventing and dressage through the University of Massachusetts Equine Studies program. I taught some beginner riding lessons and summer horse camp for a few years prior to going on to graduate school at Northeastern University. As an adult I have focused on dressage, although I still enjoy trail riding. I have been riding with Susanne Winslade for many years and was one of the founding members of Sue’s Meridian Equidance Company. It was through the Meridian Equidance quadrille that I first got involved with City to Saddle, participating in the Harvest Festival to benefit City to Saddle in 2008.

Why do I want to support City to Saddle? I have tried to use my equestrian experience to give back to my community in small ways in the past, by volunteering in a therapeutic riding program and at the Equestrian Special Olympics, but would like to do more. I feel that riding has had a huge impact in my life, helping to develop my self-confidence and sense of responsibility, as well as patience and compassion. These attributes have shaped my life, and certainly contributed to the success of my career. Riding has also brought me many of my closest friendships. I love the idea that my work with City to Saddle will give children the opportunity to experience the wonder of riding a horse . I hope it may benefit their lives as it has mine.