About Us

On December 3, 2019 the Journey begins. Triton’s Reign LSE , bred by Joanna Russell (Lasting Star Equestrian) is a German Warmblood – Oldenburg. He is registered with the ISR (International Sport Horse Registry) and was born to Reigning Dawn on May 21, 2019.

This site is dedicated to our Journey together. Triton’s Reign LSE & Joanna M Smith, Hampton Cove, AL.

About Me

Okay, so with all beginnings there is a backstory. This backstory is actually very simple. I, like most humans on this planet, had daydreams as a child. Now keeping in mind that I grew up in north Alabama, on 360 acres of pure wilderness, my one constant daydream was that as an adult I would have a life surrounded by my horses. They were the one constant in my childhood.

So, pushing through with a quick rundown… My mother was a single mom and as such I was mostly raised by my grandparents who absolutely adored me. Along with my Uncles, Aunt, Cousins and basically the entire local community I had one of the best childhoods imaginable. My grandfather took me everywhere and when we were back at the farm I was always outdoors following him around. He was a local farmer, logged for a living and sold hay in the summer when not working in his garden. He will always be known as the strongest man in my life.

So moving on… I grew up, my grandfather passed away, I went to college and received a Bachelor’s in Biology & Chemistry. Realizing I was equally talented in Math I went on to get my accountant’s professional degree and became a licensed Certified Public Accountant. But not before getting married on Winter’s solstice December 21, 1996. Shortly thereafter (aka…8 years later) we had two boys. The loves of my life and will always be known as my greatest accomplishment. But somewhere midway my love of learning took hold and so I went on and got my Pilot’s license. I am VFR certified and can fly single engine airplanes. So that was a tremendous amount of fun. But then my boys needed me to be more hands on in their life so I hung up my bomber jacket and put them up front and center. Moving forward, they are now teenagers and I can slowly begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak. I have always said, the greatest gift I can give my children for graduation is to have a life of my own.

And moving forward to current events… I currently have two horses, Scout and Poseidon, both Kentucky Gaited and great joys. So where does Triton come in to play? Well, that is a good question. So, Triton is the fulfillment of a childhood dream. One that I had put behind me believing that life had other plans for me. As such there was always that small part of my soul that was saddened and felt empty. Then last year at a horse show, supporting my local girls and their dreams, I had the great privilege of meeting one the best Horsemanship Masters in the world, Mitzi Summers. And not just according to me and my opinion. She is genuinely one of the greats; USA Nationally accredited and an International Trainer. Continuing on, that day was very cold, it was a fall day and winter was coming in soon. As such, she and I sat next to each other cozied up for warmth and for lighthearted friendship. I was so blessed to have spent so much of the day around her. I don’t remember who won the horse show but I do remember leaving there asking our Heavenly Father, if He ever saw my dream coming to light, if it was ever in the cards for me, could I please have her as my trainer?

Well, turns out Father had not forgotten me or my dream. On an ordinary day, sitting down in my sunroom, drinking my coffee, the laziness of the day took me to a local website where I rummaged through all the photos of sport horses for sale. No particular reason, just being led by the spirit. Taking a general pleasure in the moment, I came across Triton’s advertisement. I will be honest, I knew the moment I saw him. The world literally stopped and my spirit knew…. he is my dream. He is my future and he will be my great joy! I sat my coffee down, closed my eyes, almost cried and breathed. With nervousness and upon reaching my composer, I looked to see how to contact the owner. First thing I noticed, we shared the same name! I sent in my information waiting anxiously for a reply. It came quickly! “Dear Joanna, thank you for your interest in Triton. I must tell you upfront he is of exceptional breeding and will be placed in an equally high quality home. If you are still interested please submit a development plan and I will be in contact with you. Thank you.“

Development plan? I knew exactly who to call; the real question being did she remember me? Turns out she did! I was so happy, excited and humbled. The interview process took over a month which included submitting a development plan, completing an in-depth questionnaire, interview process of both me and the trainer, and a 3-hour evaluation lesson on my riding skills and ability to listen and work well with my trainer. Finally, at the end of my lesson she said to me, (which will stay in my memory for a lifetime) “Joanna, I expect exceptionalism out of all my students. That way even on a bad day you are still well above the others. Do you understand?” With the utmost respect I replied, “Yes Ma’am” In that moment I knew I had been accepted into her training program. And with her recommendation I was awarded the contract of my sweet Triton. Needless to say it was a great day!!

So where do we go from here? The Development plan is now in place and moving forward. Both Triton and myself will be trained by Mitzi Summers, Horsemanship Master. I will be working with her learning my skills and obtaining an independent seat on experienced horses. Meanwhile, Triton will be learning equally on the sidelines. When we are both ready we will come together as one: Horse and Rider and move forward in the disciplines of Eventing: Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country.