Established in 1950 by Bob Smith, Netherwood Acres is one of the oldest equine facilities in the mid-Hudson Valley.

 

As much a part of New York’s storied hunt country as the rolling hills and rocky outcrops, Bob began his career with horses at age ten, leading tourists on trail rides through the Catskill Mountains. After studying agriculture and veterinary science at Cornell University, and playing on Cornell’s polo team, Bob opened Netherwood Acres, in Hyde Park, NY. Over the years, he successfully trained race horses to run at Belmont Park, ridden to the hounds with the Roosevelts, and even trained a horse named Holy Smoke to jump through a ring of fire for the famous Disney film Run, Appaloosa, Run.

 

Through the years, Bob’s approach to horses and their training never changed: select quality animals, start them young, feed them well, teach them manners, make them safe for amateurs, and give them work that fosters good attitudes.  Riders as well blossomed under Bob’s seasoned eye, learning horsemanship, balance, timing, and most importantly, how to think like a horse.

 

Regularly placed in the saddle in front of her father as a baby, Bob's daughter Krissy literally rode before she could walk. She grew up competing locally at horse shows, hunter paces and combined training events. After college she worked on a farm in Ireland, training Irish Sport Horses. Krissy continues Bob's legacy, training reliable horses and building partnerships between riders and their equine teammate.

 

Remembering Bob and Lisa

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Robert L. Smith  (July 29, 1927—February 19, 2015)

With a career that spanned 77 years, Bob Smith is a local legend whose reputation and character was respected well beyond the Hudson Valley. He was a true horseman, a patient and determined trainer of both horses and humans.

Bob Smith Poughkeepsie Journal Obituary

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Lisa Smith  (May 29, 1957—June 11, 2014)

For over 30 years Bob's wife, Lisa Smith, was an integral part of the Netherwood team. She did everything from horse care, training and scheduling lessons and trail rides to horse sales/leases, shipping, assisting at events and paces, managing vet and farrier visits, and of course, keeping Bob in line and so much more. Sadly, Lisa passed away in 2014. She is greatly missed by all who knew her.

Lisa Smith Obituary

 

Memorial donations can be made to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, PO Box 834, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.