Catherine Smith has been riding and competing for 20 years.  She is trained in Dressage, Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation, Western Pleasure/Horsemanship, Reining, Basic Saddleseat, Halter/Showmanship, Crosscountry and Fox Hunting.  At a young age Cat knew it was her calling to work with equines.  Since, she has worked with various other professionals in these many disciplines.  Including, grooming for three time Olympian Major General Jonathan Burton at the Immokalee Horse Trials, exercising Polo horses for World-Cup Polo Player Tony Vita, and participating in clinics held by Greg Best, Debbie Stephens, and Christina Schulsemeyer. Cat's first instructor was Ruth Hughes of Pine Meadow Farm of Naples, FL.  Hughes herself was trained by George Morris and went on to ride for notables such as Mark and Peter Leone.  Cat trained in Dressage for thirteen years and spent two years training with both Tori Polonitza (FEI Trainer) and Judy Swartzweilder (Trainer/Rider/Judge) at Mockingbird Stables of Naples, FL. She also received instruction from trainers such as Bridgette Boland, former student of Robert Dover, and Theresa Brummet USDF Silver Medalist.  Being drawn to Jumping and Dressage Cat has shown at many local, state, regional, and "A" rated shows and at many different breed shows.  Cat received her B.S. in Animal Science Equine Industry at the University of Florida.  She also has a minor in Agriculture Business Management and Sales.  While at UF she was a member of the UF Equestrian Team winning many Grand and Reserve Titles.  Cat was on the Advisory Board for the Equestrian Team, President of the UF Horsemen's Association, and a member of the UF Horse Judging team.  These organizations took her all over the U.S. in 2005. 

It has been Cat's goal to develop herself as a rider and to compete internationally.  Riding anything she could get her hands on has given Cat a reputation of working with "problem horses".  Through these great equines Gotham Training was developed.  Gotham Training provides training/instruction that is "outside of the box" and at the same time show ring applicable.  Leave it to Cat to show you how you and/or your horse can be a super-hero!

Currently Accepting

• Students beginner-advanced, children and adults
• Horses/Ponies in training
• Boarder-Students

Owner/Financial Manager: Larry Smith

Cat's husband Larry, an engineer, is Cat's biggest fan and Gotham Supporter.  When he isn't traveling around the world at work, he is helping Cat at the farm, and supporting our team at our shows.  Larry tries, when he's able to sight see, to bring back pictures of other equestrian venues from the countries he visits.  We wish him luck and safety at his project in Aruba!