ABOUT GREG

Greg Smith is a full-time dressage rider based in Auckland, New Zealand. He began his riding career at the local pony club in Whangaparaoa, and spent his early years Eventing. In 2002, Greg groomed for Heelan Tompkins at Badminton Horse Trials and the World Equestrian Games, after which he moved to Ireland to work for Sasha Harrison for the next five years.

While at the Athens Olympics in 2004 Greg met Carl Hester, and a few years later began working for him.  After eight years in the UK, he decided to come home and start GJS Equestrian.

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In 2011, he began work on the Hobbit as a horse wrangler and riding double and has since worked on the Shannara Chronicles, Spartacus, Kiwi, Mulan and The Letter for the King. He was also the Horse Master on three seasons of Mystic, and an episode of My Life is Murder. Throughout his time working in film, he also competed JL Champs Elysee and Avante Garde through to Level 7, winning the Inter 1 Title at Nationals in 2015, as well as the Prix St George Invitational at Equidays.

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With over 30 years of experience, Greg has a wealth of knowledge and is happy to share his experiences. Greg holds training clinics and offers private lessons throughout New Zealand, catering to all levels of riders and horses. Along with his equestrian expertise, Greg has also designed a jewellery range and clothing line.