Even before her first horseback ride at age 8, Dawn Star-Smith recalls having an all-consuming dream of riding. Dawn was lucky that her parents supported her passion for horses, and she was able to ride frequently at a local stable, taking Western and English lessons and riding on trails. Dawn later became a trail guide and competed in horse shows after acquiring her first horse, a Quarter Horse named "Belle." Even after Belle retired to a farm, Dawn continued riding, mostly for pleasure on the beautiful Forest Preserve trails in the Palos area. She also rode her cousin Carol's horses often. She fell in love with a big chestnut gelding named Gus, rode and took care of him until he retired.
Six years ago, Dawn came to Fitzjoy Farm and became an instructor for our lesson program. Her beautiful buckskin Quarter Horse, Thumbs Up Moe, was shown very successfully by Linnea Nemcek, a member of Fitzjoy's show team. Dawn hand picked her assistants based on their ability to properly and safely care for Fitzjoy's lesson horses. She fills an important position at Fitzjoy and continues to inspire her students with informative and challenging lessons. Her passion for teaching is always evident and appreciated by her students, their parents, and the staff. Dawn specializes in teaching beginners, and spreading her own special brand of fun, making unforgettable special occasions for those who participate in her trail rides, birthday parties, day camps and Scout sessions. She is responsible for originating a very inspiring class, the Free Spirits, a special needs group.
As Dawn continues enlightening her students, her infectious joy and passion for the horse spreads to all that come in contact with her.