Valerie Smith Bracken spent her childhood and teenage years riding in Aurora Ontario primarily with Penny Murray. Valerie has a diverse background in the equestrian world. She showed on the "A" circuit for years until she went off to university. She was an avid pony club member and was part of the junior Canadian mounted games team that competed in England. She also worked with the Toronto polo club as an exercise rider. 

After taking time off to work in developing countries in South America and Africa and complete her Master's degree in education, Valerie resumed her riding career at Schellenberg Stables. Since then she has trained with Jill McRae and Margie Gayford at Wingberry Stables.

For the last two years she has trained with Greg Kuti at Chorbe Farms.

Valerie has had great success bringing along young green horses and prepping them for the show ring. She has ridden a number of green horses and worked closely with Claire Hunter from Braecrest Stables to bring along babies for the Cup classes. She shows both hunters and jumpers in Canada and the USA.

Val has continued to bring along many new riders at Schellenberg Stables to the "A" circuit.  Many of her students compete in the Beginner Children's, Low Children's, Children's Ponies, Short Stirrup and Green Pony divisions.  Several of her students are in the top ten. 

Next year some of her students will be advancing into the Core Divisions.