Kristina Smith, hailing from a storied family deeply rooted in harness racing, has carved out her own respected place in the sport. With a lineage that includes her grandfather Byron Smith, a top driver in New England during the mid-20th century, and her great aunt Phyllis Smith, the first licensed female pari-mutuel driver in North America, Kristina grew up immersed in racing culture. Trained by her father Randy and grandmother Linda, both involved in horse racing, she initially owned and trained standardbreds before focusing her career on being an outrider—a critical role ensuring safety on the track. She currently outrides at Hoosier Park in Indiana and several Ohio fairs, cherishing the family atmosphere and the diversity of riding on different track sizes.

Despite the inherent dangers of outriding, including close calls with runaway horses and accidents, Kristina is motivated by her deep connection to the sport and the community it fosters. She emphasizes the importance of trust and bond with her horses, which are essential for the demanding and sometimes perilous nature of her job. Kristina also honors her family legacy by organizing the annual “Family Race” at the Greene County Fair, celebrating multi-generational involvement in harness racing. Her dedication reflects a heartfelt commitment to preserving and contributing to a sport that has shaped her family’s history and her own life.