FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES MARCH 2014 71
Kelli on the podium after taking second at the 2013 ASPCA
Maclay Finals.
Photo by Cindy Cruciotti
that we put on ourselves at the Maclay finals just added to the fun
of what we were doing.
What do you enjoy about
working with Monterrey?
There are so many things
about Rey that I enjoy, but the
biggest one is his personality in
the show ring. He is so much fun
to ride in a big class because he
wants to win just as much as I
do, if not more. He is the type of
horse that you can always count
on coming through for you in a
pressure situation and that is
what makes him such a special
partner for me. I am very lucky
to have the opportunity to ride
him!
What is your favorite show
and why?
My favorite show would be
the USET Finals in Gladstone,
New Jersey. Over the past
several years, I have had
the opportunity to show at
some wonderful horseshows
throughout the country. But
what made Gladstone so
special for me was the history
and tradition behind this one
horse show. I grew up reading
about professionals who have
been a part of Gladstone like
George Morris, Joe Fargis,
McLain Ward and many more.
These riders are the foundation
to the success of our sport and
to be at a place where so many
of them have been was an
amazing experience.
What are your career plans?
I would love to follow in my mother’s footsteps and take over
Serenity Farm, while continuing to peruse my riding career. I
think it is important to give back to the sport by being a strong,
contributing professional. I would also like to get involved in
programs like the Emerging Athletes Program because I think it
is important to keep developing the younger generation of riders
so that our sport continues to thrive.
What would be your advice to other young/junior riders
who aspire to ride in the Big Eq classes?
My advice to other young riders is to never let anyone tell you
that your dreams are too big. So many people don’t pursue their
dreams because they think they can’t achieve them, but you can
achieve anything if you work hard and put your mind to it.
What are your hobbies, unrelated to horses?
I enjoy traveling with my family and getting to spend as much
time with them as possible. Because of the crazy show schedule
year round, sometimes we don’t get to see each other as much
as we would like. So when I am home, I enjoy getting to have
some quality time with them. Other than that, there isn’t anything
I love more than riding and being at the barn.
