70 SIDELINES MARCH 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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Kelli Cruciotti:
By Dani Moritz
It’s no surprise that Kelli Cruciotti, daughter of Cindy Cruciotti,
owner and head trainer of Serenity Farm in Elizabeth, Colorado,
has become a top junior rider in the nation. After placing
consistently well in the Colorado Horse Park’s Summer In The
Rockies series, she took home the blue ribbon at the ASPCA
Maclay Region 6 Finals and placed second at the 2013 ASPCA
Maclay Finals. When she wasn’t busy working on homework or
in the saddle,
Sidelines
caught up with the impressive rider and
learned all about her riding career.
What is it like training with your mom?
Training with my mom is a very special and unique experience.
Over the past 11 years since I started riding, my mom and I have
shared an enormous amount of memorable experiences. We have
a tremendous amount of respect for one another and, because of
that, we are able to separate our personal relationship from our
training/professional relationship. It is very special that we get to
share what we love with one another.
Do you help run your mom’s business, Serenity Farm?
Yes, I do help in any way that I can with the day-to-day
operations of the farm. It is definitely a family business and we all
help with whatever needs to be done in order to make the day run
smoothly. Sometimes I help the guys tack up horses, other times I
will help with turnouts or make the grain so it is ready to feed. It’s
all about keeping the farm running as smoothly as possible and
making sure both the horses and the clients are happy.
What were your expectations going into the Maclay finals?
What was your reaction when they announced you had
placed second?
When I go into a big class like the Maclay finals, I try and tell
myself to ride it just like any other round. I feel that when I start
putting expectations on myself, I don’t ride quite as well as when I
am relaxed. I tried to focus more on giving my horse a positive ride,
rather than trying to produce the “perfect round.” When I realized
that I was second, I could not have been more thrilled with how
Rey went that day and I was so thankful for the amazing team that
was around me. It would have never been possible without them.
What would you say your strengths and weaknesses are as a
rider? How did they come into play during the finals?
One of my biggest strengths as a rider is that I am able to ride
well under pressure. I really enjoy the pressure of big classes,
work offs and jump offs. I think that my biggest weakness as a
rider is that I have a tendency to over analyze things. Competing
in the medal finals this year was the first time that I went in without
any expectations. I just wanted to be consistent, smooth and
relaxed. Monterrey and I have formed a very strong partnership
and we both enjoy the atmosphere in the show ring. The pressure
Kelli and Monterrey jumping the wall at the Maclay
finals.
Photo by Shawn McMillen
Kelli and Monterrey.
Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge
Following
Footsteps &
Dreams!
