Testimonies

Hey Lynn!

I have been meaning to e-mail you for a while now. I wanted to say thanks for everything!! This year at the state 4-H finals, i got third place! I tied in a 7.58 and a 7.46. I landed 4th in the second round. Everything that was so weird to me at your clinic is muscle memory now! i've worked hard on my flip, and it's finally starting to come together! =] I am planning to take one of your clinics next year to pick up some more details and polish everything!

Thank you so much! you're amazing!
-- kailey rae (2011)

Hi Lynn,

I meant to email you right away to tell you, of all the clinics we've been to, yours was one of the best. By the time you were done with them, I think ALL the girls were faster. (Sierra called it Navy Seal Training ) The presentation was great and really gave them tools to improve their tie. She was so psyched that all she wanted to do was go home & tie.

Thanks again, (2011)

Hy Lynn - I just wanted to share how Abi ended up in goat tying at the LB Finals. She placed 5th in the 1st round (8.6), 4th in the 2nd round (8.4) and was 2nd in the short go (8.0), which placed her 2nd in the average and 5th in the world! She went in placing way down the line, like 80th or something, so I thought she did very well. It was quite an experience! Coming to your clinics and then having the chance to compete at the Invitational surely has turned her goat tying around. I believe her fastest time in a rodeo beforehand was a mid to late 9 if I remember correctly!! We sure appreciate all the help you have given her this far and we will be getting her to other clinics as we can! I am attaching a pic from the short go for you to ck out!

thanks again,

jolene deveraux (2011)

Lynn,

Wow YOU put on a great clinic!

It was wonderful for Jacy to participate in your clinics! She really valued the time to learn and practice. Right now I think she is in the soaking it in stage and maybe a bit frustrated as things are having to be thought about. But I think she is committed to slowing it down to get it right……then add the speed……We talk about being bigger, stronger and faster then the competition. And the blisters are medals with a story of hard work and play. And she did her “homework” tonight. It was a great weekend! We Moms also had a fun time being together!!!!

Lori (2011)

Dear Lynn,

Just wanted you to know how much we enjoy the goat tying clinic in Sulphur, LA. Spending two days with you has sparked a fire in Katie and helped her to realize that she can compete at a higher level. An added bonus has been that she recently won second in the goat tying at the Cowboy Youth Christmas Challenge in Jackson, MS.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience...looking forward to your next clinic in Sulphur.

Diane Andrus & Katie Adams (2010)

Good afternoon Lynn,

Thought I would take a minute and thank you for putting on the Goat Tying Clinic in December in Sparr, Florida. At the time of the Clinic Jacey was sitting around 9^th place in the Goat Tying. For the second part of the High School Rodeo Season she moved up to the 5^th spot going into the Finals. She was 10 points out of the 4^th spot. She ending up winning second in the average at the finals and moved into the 4^th spot. For the year she finish as the Reserve All Around Champion Cowgirl, Rookie All Around Cowgirl, Won the Pole Bending Average at the Finals and will be going to the Nationals this summer in Gillette in both the poles and goats……My middle daughter Shelby finished as the Reserve All Around Cowgirl in both the Arcadia Youth Rodeo Association and the Top Hand Challenge Association. She consistently places in the top three in Goat Tying at all the rodeos we attend…..The youngest, Kalley who had just turned nine before your clinic just won her first Todd Sloan All Around Saddle at the Arcadia Youth Rodeo and will pick up another Masters All Around Saddle in two weeks from the Top Hand Challenge Series. She is consistently tying around 14 to 16 seconds and has been getting faster….Anyway, just wanted to say thanks and that we would not have qualified for the National in Goat tying without your help. Thanks again.

Dale Johnson (2010)

Lynn,

She did it! She is Florida's first National Champion Goat tyer and we owe so much to you for your incredible teaching skills at your clinics. We will send pictures for your website. She is going to be pictured on the side of the pinch gear semis. She only missed all around by a narrow margin; she ended up 3rd.

Jody Gray (2010)

I'm Abby's mom, we were at the goat tying clinic in Bowman ND in March 2010. I've spent a lot of money on clinics where a couple of the "favorites" got the clinician's attention, then the rest of the riders sat at the end of the arena and watched - not here! You put on an absolutely action-packed clinic with each of the girls getting plenty of practice and individual help. Great job! Needless to say, the girls slept all the way home. It was a pleasure to meet you.

Gail Lengenfelder (2010)

Hello Lynn, Martha has attended two of your clinics & picks up many new tidbits each time. Wanted to let you know that she finally broke into the 8 second range at the finals in VA. We were very excited & we are off to Gallup NM near the end of June for the Nationals... can't wait since she is an 8th grader so she should be at the top of her game. She was ALl Around Cowgirl in VA & we were proud that she was 1st place in all 6 events that she runs! Really looking forward to the competition in high school too! Thanks again for helping make her such a competitor!! We are always checking your site to see if you are having anything on the east coast! Have a great summer!

Vito & Carrie Angelone (2009)

Hi Lynn, we wanted to let you know how Sarah did this season. She won the Pole Bending championship, came 2nd in goats(behind Taylor Schnieder) 5 in Barrels and unfortunately missed twice in the breakaway finals and dropped from 2nd to 10th place.

She won the Rookie All Around as well as the All Around Cowgirl for 2009!

We are heading off to the Canadians Aug. 7,8 and 9 in Williams Lake.

It has been a fantastic experience in her first year. Many thanks to you for the coaching! We are looking forward to next years clinics.

Sincerely,

David (2009)

Lynn, Holli was at your clinic in Crockett, Texas Jan. 2-3. She's the one with red hair and ACL injury. She stayed in Crocket and competed in THSRA Region IX rodeo. This was first rodeo since surgery, she won the goat tying with a 7.8. She was a little nervous but with all the positive thinking, she did well. She didn't push her horse down the arena like she usually does, but hopefully as her confidence builds, that will come. We would like to thank you for reminding her why she loves this sport so much. On way home from the rodeo, she said there is nothing like the rush she gets from competing in her favorite sport.

Stacy Harris
(Holli's Mom) (2009)

I wanted to send you a note to tell you how much we appreciate all you have done for Brooke. Doreen and I are truly amazed at what you are doing for these young girls. Your clinic is so positive, constructive and “one on one”. You help every student in an equal manner. We have been to several barrel clinics including Judy Mylamackie’s (spelling is wrong), Marlene McCray, Martha Josey, Charmaine James and Kelly Yates. Lynn, you are the best!!! You provide a program for positive thinking, training and competing. You are “one on one” with the students. Your goal setting is great!

As Brooke’s parents, we are especially indebted to you. Brooke is very quiet, but believe me she looks up to you as her idol. You have been such an inspiration for us. Your work ethics, goal setting and positive thinking will help Brooke in every phase of her life. She has some strong educational goals, which will require her to be on the right track to accomplish. If she makes it, the foundation you have provided will be a very intracal part of any success she may have. Brooke’s dream is to someday be able to rodeo at CWC for you. Doreen and I are not making Brooke rodeo, but have told her if this is what she wants to do, we will support her 100%. She is young, but right now has a very strong drive to rodeo and you are her inspiration. We have offered for her to get involved in other school activities, but she says it will interfear with her goat tying, roping practice and exercising her horses. She also says she doesn’t want to miss any jackpots on the weekends or winter/spring Junior Rodeos. She does take piano lessons and is in choir at school.

Lynn, I don’t know how you have the energy to do all the clinics all over the country that you do. Part of the energy must come from the fact that you love the sport so much. We admire the fact that you are willing to travel and share your talent and leadership abilities with girls everywhere. If you influence 50% of your students like you have influenced Brooke, you will have created a very positive influence on young girls across this country that will remain with them through out their lives. My hat is off to you for what you are doing!!

Hi Lynn,
This is Katrina I was wanting to tell you some exciting news, I'm at Garden City this weekend but our first spring rodeo was K-State and I was a 7.0 in the long round. I came to the short go in 4th place and proud... When it got down to the day of short go and the time for me to enter the arena, i took a breath and thought to my self I love to tie goats and I feel so happy to be here right now. Lynn I tied a 6.5 and WON the rodeo. That was one of the greatest feeling ever, and I know its only one rodeo, and their is 6 more to go but I want to thank you anyways for if it wasn't for what you give to not only me, but to other students I wouldn't be were I am today... I just thought I would let you know how I did and that I appreciate your time and efforts.
Thank you, Take Care
God Bless
Katrina Van Diest (2008)

Hi Lynn,
I've been meaning forever to tell you how great your clinic was.. MINUS the soreness ha-ha! I've been telling everyone they need to attend! I do have a question though... Who do you get your strings from and do you happen to have the number?... Yes you converted me!

Thanks again,
Brooke Boulware (2008)

"The Lynn Smith Goat Tying Clinic was held this past weekend in Elizabeth, Indiana. The students that attended and the parents that watched throughout the two days were extremely impressed with the professionalism, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the sport demonstrated by Lynn. By the end of the two days, at least half of those attending were running times 2 to 4 seconds quicker than their previously run fast time in goat tying. It was amazing to see the improvement in just a short period of time, and there was not one participant that walked away from this clinic disappointed!!" -Monica Bowman (2006)

Hey Lynn! I never got a chance to email you after the clinic in Malad.That probably was the best clinic I have ever been to. You do a great
job teaching. Dixie picked up and kept a lot you have taught her. But,she has kept her "stuff!" She did your style at a few rodeos, then told
me she was going back to stuffing. Anyway, she has kept a lot that youhave showed her. I was really glad to see someone finally teach on how
to train the horse for goat tying. There is a lot to it besides just running and stepping off. Our friends' daughter went to your clinic up inRiverton, Danica , anyway she has learned a lot. I asked her Sunday nite if she liked the clinic. That little girl has come a long way! Anyway,I hope you have a great holiday !!!

Diana Richards, (2007)

"Hi Lynn! I forgot to email you after the CJRA Finals and tell you how I did! On the first day I ran a 9.6 and placed 4th. On the second day i ran a 8.6 and placed 2nd and then on the third day i ran a 8.3 and won the round!! i ended up second in the year end and second in the average. I was soo happy!! If it wasn't for you I would Have never had such a great year! Thank You so Much! I want to come to another one of your clinics if I can!! Thanks so much!" -Mercedes Trenary (2006)

"Lynn- Thank you so much for all that you have done for me. Just coming to 3 clinics & having Bobbi come up has helped me improve immensely! You're so much fun to be around and I think that's what makes it so fun to come and learn and become better. Because you know how to work and have fun at the same time!! I just wanted to thank you for all the time you have spent to make not only me but tons and tons of other girls so much better!!" - Makale Miller, (2006)

"... I wanted to thank you a bunch!!! I went to a rodeo this weekend and did great!!! The first day I didn't' really trust my horse so it was slow but the tying part felt great!! The 2 day I decided I better just learn to trust him and we got second!! I was so proud of him!! I could have done better but when I got to the goat my butt wasn't low enough, so I didn't pick him up high enough and a back leg drug on the ground, but I realized what I did wrong!!!! Thanks again, hope to see u soon." - Christina Basler, (2006)

"Thank you so much for a fun-filled, learning experience of a weekend. Kyndra cannot stop talking or bragging about you. I know she got a lot of pointers and gained a lot of insight on goat tying! She wanted me to email you and thank you for everything and all the little pointers you gave her. She done nothing but tie all day yesterday when we got home!" - Stefani Low, (2006)

"I just wanted to tell you how awesome the Pocatello clinic was. I have needed to take my tying to a new level and you gave me the skills to do it. I have always tied consistent 10's and did what I needed to win our high school district but now I have set new goals for myself, I want to be tying 8's so I have a chance at nationals this year..." - Ashley Robertson (2004)

"Lynn- I just wanted to tell you that this weekend I tied my first 7 second run in high school rodeo. I'm way excited... I just thought I'd tell you, you might not know but you've helped me so much and I look up to you a lot. Thanks for all you've done and helped me with." - Hilary Walker (2003)

"...I wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much your goat tying clinic helped me. At the end of the spring season I was doing pretty good, consistently running a 8 - 9 which for me was pretty good considering all I have learned was on my own until I came to your clinic. ...when I left your clinic I was feeling so good about myself and my tying... I just wanted to THANK YOU again." - Misty Anderson (2003)

"Once again, thank you so much for your wonderful goat tying clinic this past weekend. It was truly time well spent and Kelsey did learn a lot. She's worked with several others on goat tying, but each person just had a few ideas and techniques that they use, and no one knows the subject as well as you. Thank you most for taking it upon yourself to become such as expert on this event and knowing all that there is to know about it, the cause and effect of it and most importantly, being able to effectively teach it. I was impressed with your enthusiasm back when you joined us in Gillette in 1998, and you have blossomed from there. Congratulations!!.....Again, thanks so much for all that you've done for this sport and this event. I told my son last night that I wished he could have heard just the last hour of your clinic yesterday. That part of your clinic would make a very nice motivational speech..."- Sharon Baker (2003)

"..We sure enjoyed your clinic, as always. You have such a gift with these girls- girls who, by nature at this age, are hard to teach!!! (I'm speaking from a mother's point of view, of course!) All of the girls made such progress. It will be fun to watch them as we continue the season this years. Again, thanks for your hard work and traveling this far to do a clinic. Your knack for assessing each girl's performance is unbelievable and I always love the you end the clinic with the physical and mental preparation review."- Susan Heyvaert (2003)

"...She (sister) is doing awesome at the high school rodeos. I must say, you did a good job with our family and goat tying!!" - Lacey Hoffman (2004)