Kacy Lyn Smith kicked off her 2025 competition season with a commendable performance at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Week 1, hosted annually in Wellington, Florida. Riding her 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding, D’Angelo 6, she competed in the 1.20m Amateur Jumpers Division, securing placements in two out of three classes.

This year marks Smith’s debut outside the junior ranks. She and “Angel”, as the horse is called, demonstrated their skills in a field of 75 horse-rider pairs, in one of the most competitive divisions of the event.

Smith and D’Angelo 6 delivered a double clear round, earning them a seventh place finish in the two-phase class. They followed this with another flawless performance, finishing fifth overall in the speed class. However, a rail down in Sunday’s $10,000 NAL 1.25m Amateur Jumper Classic, resulted in four faults, and they finished with a time of 76.622. This performance secured them a spot in the top 20, although it was not enough to earn a ribbon.

The Winter Equestrian Festival is the largest and longest-running horse show globally. It spans 13 consecutive weeks of both national and FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) competitions. Thousands of riders and horses from around the world gather at this prestigious event.

Currently, Smith is in her second semester as a freshman at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Despite her academic commitments, she plans to return to Wellington for WEF Week 3. She intends to continue competing throughout the winter, balancing her studies with her passion for equestrian sport.

Smith’s strong start in the WEF reflects her dedication and skill, setting a promising tone for the rest of the competition year. Her ability to compete effectively against a large and talented field highlights her potential as she navigates the amateur ranks. With plans to return and compete further, Smith is poised to make a significant impact in the equestrian community this year.