At this year’s NSBA World Show, leading breeder and rider, Adria Smith has brought two of her superstars; Congress Masters Champion, My Invitations R Hot who is by her stallion These Irons Are Hot and her new three-year-old mare, Al Be Your Alibi to compete with the best of the best.
The passion and enthusiasm that Smith has for the Quarter Horse industry are undeniable. Smith’s commitment to better the breed through her sire, These Iron Are Hot and breeding some of the top mares to him have no doubt changed the hunter under saddle industry for the better.
Smith credits showing hunters growing up as a catalyst to getting involved with hunter under saddle horses in the quarter horse industry. “I was fortunate growing up that I had hunters that not only jumped well but moved great under saddle. I love being in the show pen and showing off my horse.”
One horse in particular that Smith loves to show is My Invitations R Hot, who is better known as “Carson”.
“He (Carson) is like a puppy dog. He loves attention, is happy to see people, enjoys his job and always tries to please. I enjoy showing Carson as he is reliable in the pen and fun to show. You can’t help but smile when you are showing him.”
Smith also mentions that she sees many traits in Carson that have been passed on by his sire. “His great personality is the strongest trait I see. He’s so great minded. Physically, his strong foot and bone structure and great neck are traits we see in the foals sired by Dexter. Carson is no exception.”
Recently crowned AQHA Level 1 East Champion in the Amateur Hunter Under Saddle, Smith says she is really enjoying being back in the saddle. Recently, both of Adria’s parents passed away but she says she felt like they were guardian angels on her shoulders when she won her class at the Level 1 Championships. “It is a very special win that I will always cherish. I told myself that morning that my ride would be dedicated to my parents, so winning was even sweeter.”
Smith adds, “I was blessed to have the most supportive parents throughout my entire riding career and with purchasing both Iron Age and then These Irons Are Hot. When they realized my love and dedication to riding in my teenage years, they even put on Hunter/Jumper Shows to help support the industry and to share a common interest of mine,” Adria fondly recalls. “My Dad never missed a show if it was in our area. He even came to quite a few AQHA shows and enjoyed the people a much as watching me show. He even came to Congress a few times to watch me show. My parents were adamant that I was just as gracious whether I was in first or last place and to congratulate your competitors.”
Coming up, Smith will be showing Carson in the hunter under saddle classes at the NSBA World Show, the Congress and the AQHA World Show under the guidance of Carl and Trish Yamber. “I love working with Carl and Trisha,” Adria says. “I learn something new from both of them all the time. My horses are always prepped and ready for me at show time. They have been there for me through lots of life’s twists and turns.”
Earlier this year, Carl and Trish helped Adria purchase a three-year-old mare, Al Be Your Alibi by Allocate Your Assets out of a Skys Blue Boy mare. Her plan is to show her in the Non-Pro Three Year Old classes this year. Also, she is branching out to the western events. Smith has a two-year-old western prospect named Good N Southern and sired by Amy Gumz’s Its A Southern Thing. She is in training with Brian Cox with plans to show later this year or early in 2017. Adria’s intention is to breed both mares to These Irons Are Hot and do an embryo transfer the beginning of 2017.
Besides the two horses that Adria is currently showing, Carson’s yearling full brother, Invite These Irons will head to Carl and Trisha after the AQHA World Show. Adria says she has some very special weanlings out of some fantastic mares and four on the way for 2017.
Adria is also pleased to announce that she will be donating a portion of each of These Irons Are Hot’s breeding fee to the NSBA Foundation’s Heroes on Horses and Equestrians with Disabilities Program.
As far as her future plans with Carson? “No doubt that I will show Carson the remainder of 2016,” Adria says. “I have plenty of horses in the pipeline and you cannot keep everyone. However, Carson is one that I characterize as a once-in-a-lifetime horse. He is your go-to, trustworthy ride that you know is going to give you one hundred percent every time.”
Smith says she would like to thank Amy Gumz for her breeding management and care of These Irons Are Hot. “I could not do this without Amy’s wisdom and thoughtful guidance. Amy’s support is unending. Lastly, thank you to my cherished friends for standing by me during my journey with the loss of my parents.”
CLICK HERE to view the August issue of GoMag with Adria and My Invitations R Hot on the cover
