William Woods University recently announced the appointment of Melissa “Missy” Smith to the role of saddle seat instructor in the university’s College of Equestrian Studies. An email announcing the appointment was sent out to the William Woods community, including current students, on May 7.
A 1995 graduate of the university, Missy has had a successful career as a trainer and instructor in the saddle seat show horse industry, most recently at Linden Hill Stables in Kansas City.
“William Woods gave me so much and it’s my chance to give back to the industry,” she said. “It was the perfect starting point for my career, and I hope to be able to give the students the experience I had when I was there.”
During her time at William Woods, she appreciated the many networking opportunities available to students as well as the informative classes that covered all aspects of the equine industry, from equine nutrition and anatomy to business management.
“You get to learn a lot of in-depth things that will help you later on in your career, and get to learn from the hands-on opportunities with the horses that are so generously donated by people,” she said.
William Woods has offered equestrian education since 1924 and became the first university in the United States to offer a four-year degree in equestrian science in 1972. Today, graduates from the university’s equestrian studies program can be found working in nearly every sector of the equine industry – as trainers, instructors, judges, professors, photographers, breed association employees and members of the equestrian media.
“I’m excited to help the students figure out what part of the industry they want to be a part of and help them get there,” Missy said. “William Woods has always held a special place in my heart and it’s an incredible opportunity.”