Bio

In April 2013, Jen Smith was selected to become Goucher's new Equestrian Director. She replaced longtime Director Patte Zumbrun, who had run the program for 26 years.

During Smith’s tenure as director, the Goucher equestrian program has captured three IHSA Zone IV championships (2014, 2015, 2023) and eight consecutive Zone IV, Region I titles (2014-19, 2022-23).  The Gophers have had three IHSA National Champions and two IHSA Reserve National Champions, and have recorded five top-10 finishes at IHSA nationals, including an eighth-place showing in 2023.

Smith, who graduated from Lynchburg College in 2005 with a B.A. in communications, has been with Goucher since 2007, first as assistant director of riding and, since October 2012, as associate director.

In her first season as director, Smith continued the program's tremendous history of success at the national level, as she guided the Gophers to a sixth place finish at the IHSA National Championships. This was the second best showing in team history at nationals, and it followed a series of noteworthy accomplishments throughout the year. Goucher was perfect at the regional level, winning all six Zone IV, Region I shows to clinch its third straight regional title.

The Gophers then emerged as Zone IV champions for a second time in three seasons to seal its spot at nationals. Goucher also competed at the American National Riding Commission National Championships, where Bunty was presented with the ANRC Instructor award, given annually to dedicated coaches who have played a key role in helping grow the sport.

In addition, Smith currently serves as the Intercollegiate Chair of the American National Riding Commission, as we as the IHSA Zone IV Region I President. She remains active in intercollegiate riding, and has achieved Level III rider status from the ANRC. She judges, serves on the ANRC advisory board, holds an ARIA Level III instructor's rating and became USHJA Trainer Certified at Level I in 2010.