We are saddened to share this news.
It is with immeasurable sadness that I write this post to advise NCHTA members and friends of the death of our beloved Ben Smith.
Ben with one of the many jumps he made. 
If you needed to find Ben, find the tractor, and he wasn’t far away. Photo credit: Fiona Gruen 
Recent committee photo. Photo credit: Fiona Gruen 
Ben with Nat, who rides JJ Flash, JJ is owned by Ben and an indication of his love for music. Photo credit: Min Murray 
Ben keeping an eye on the XC course. Photo credit: Fiona Gruen
Ben has been the power behind Canberra Horse Trials for almost three decades. He has been course builder, course designer, treasurer and the rock on which our club is built. Eventing in Canberra will never be the same without Ben.
Not one to seek the limelight, Ben was known and respected across the NSW eventing community and beyond. At the recent Camden event we couldn’t go 20 metres without him running into someone who wanted to catch up and share news and views about our sport.
As an owner, Ben loved watching his horses going around with Nat, Tori and Grace – and he loved those horses, especially the incomparable Molly (Girl with a Curl).
Ben died peacefully, surrounded by family and the music that was also a big part of his life. The family will welcome people to celebrate Ben’s life in the new year and in the meantime we thank everyone who has shared their sympathies and memories with us.
Rachel Stephen-Smith
National Capital Horse Trials Association 
It was such a shock to hear that Ben has passed away.
He still had a passion for horses and courses and anything related to them. He was always a voice of reason on the EPMG committee and I admired and respected him.
I’m so sorry for your loss and still can’t believe he is not here.
Marg Heaney