“When I began riding with Kelly, I had some big aspirations and a difficult horse. There was never a moment with Kelly where I doubted that I could reach any one of my goals. She has a contagious positive and enthusiastic attitude when teaching that always made even the most difficult days fun and rewarding. She is always willing to take the time to explain concepts, answer questions, and remain flexible in her approach with each individual. Not only did I enjoy every one of my lessons with her, she gave me tools that I will use for the rest of my riding career.
Kelly not only bettered my riding, but she also taught me to be a better horseman. Everything from grooming to the cross-country after-care of an upper level horse, she was willing to teach me. Being part of her team was one of my most invaluable experiences to date. I am a better rider and horseman for having Kelly as a trainer.”
Maddie Hogan
“We would recommend Kelly without reservation to train or ride a horse for Eventing or Dressage. Kelly has been a big part of starting six horses for us, five Eventers and one Dressage horse. In each case Kelly’s riding produced a confident and relaxed outing, even in the horses’ first show. From our 18 hand gelding to our 14.3 hand mare Kelly brings out the best in each different horse – never over-facing and always encouraging. As owners/breeders it is important to us that the young horses keep forward and happy and Kelly has that mastered!”
Lucinda Romero & Karen Young, Kleary Field Irish Draught and Sport Horses
“As a busy professional it is important to me that my horses both develop and maintain their conditioning and training despite my work schedule. Since 2006 I have been fortunate to have Kelly Prather teach, train, and show my horses on both the East and West Coast. She is the consummate horsewoman whose ability and style come from years of training and competing on “both sides of the pond”. She takes her time with the young horses relying on a positive approach and not shortcuts. She motivates and moves the upper level horses, balancing readiness with competitive savvy. Her rates are reasonable, her abilities tested, and the outcomes dependable.
Investing in her career achievements via a horse syndication is next on my list but in the meantime her career successes have “paid off” in what they bring to her teaching me as a rider and my horses as athletes, and her skill in bringing out the best in each of us. I recommend her with the highest regard and give her a 4 * rating!”
Dr. Christine Kennedy
“I started riding with Kelly when I was seven years old and had never sat on a horse before. She has helped me every step of the way in my riding, from teaching my lunge line lessons to finding me my first pony in Ireland to coaching me at the Preliminary level. I have learned so much about riding from Kelly, particularly about toughening up, getting back on, and riding forward, no matter how many times my pony bolted or how giant the jump looks.
Kelly found my current One-Star horse, Bee Hive, as a four-year-old at Chesterland, and trained him from the ground up for me. She made him into just what I need – safe, willing, and knows way more than I do! Once Kelly had him ready and I outgrew my pony, Bee took me from Novice through Preliminary, and will likely be my Intermediate horse as well. In the six years I have had him, he has never put a foot wrong, and I have Kelly to thank for that. Words cannot describe how much confidence Kelly has given me in both my own riding and my horses, and although I now ride at a different barn due to school, she has always been my hero in the horse world.”
Alice Coneybeer