About Kelly

Kelly grew up in New Hampshire, where at the age of 6, she discovered horses. This was the start of what has became a lifetime of horses. Kelly began riding English, discovered jumping and basically just had fun. Trying to fulfill her inner cowgirl, Kelly rode western, barrel raced and even did some roping. At the age of 12 Kelly's family, horses and all, moved to Maryland and it was here Kelly discovered 3-day eventing. She began a successful career competing to Preliminary with her mare. But it was the dressage phase of the 3-day that Kelly wanted to pursue. To develop the beauty and harmony between horse and rider has lead to over 18 years of training in the art of dressage, a lifetime commitment to be sure!

Now an FEI competitior with her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals, numerous year end awards and championships at the National level,  her commitment to the sport of dressage has served Kelly well. Her goals include competing internationally and one day being able to compete for her country.

Kelly runs a small training and teaching business on the Eastern shore of Maryland. She enjoys teaching riders of all levels and abilities. Kelly believes that every horse and rider, no matter what their discipline, can benefit from Dressage. She is always positive, patient and enthusiastic, key ingredients for success. Kelly also actively helps the local pony club with their dressage, she wants youngsters to see how exciting dressage can be when done correctly.

The Horses:

What Kelly loved about dressage from the start was the harmony and unity between horse and rider. There is a relationship that grows from training a young horse to from the beginning thru the upper levels of dressage, it cannot be put into words. To Kelly, they are more then just horses, they are her partners. Kelly believes that it is the journey and relationship between horse and rider that develops over many years that leads to greatness.

DEVON

Devon is a 9-year-old Oldenburg gelding. He was imported in the fall of 2000 from Germany. Devon has excellent bloodlines, as he is by the stallion Don Gregory, who is by the legendary Donnerhall, and out of a Rubenstein mare. Devon is a powerful, opinionated horse with loads of talent. He is schooling 4th level and Kelly hopes to make her Prix St Georges with Devon in the spring of '07.  Click here for more information on Don Gregory.

WINDSOR

Windsor is Kelly's new horse, she imported in June of 2006 from the Netherlands. Their relationship is just starting and they are getting to know one another. Windsor is a 3-year-old KWPN (Dutch) gelding by Harmony's Rosseau and our of a mare by Goodtimes. Windsor has all the talent, and then some, to become a top competitor. Kelly was chosen to participate in the 2006 Young Horse Dressage Horse Trainers Symposium at Hilltop Farm. She was also chosen a demo rider with Windsor. Click here for more information on Harmony's Rosseau.

Kelly's Goals:

Kelly has clear goals with both horses that she will strive for and hopes to achieve. Kelly's plans with Devon are to continue to train and compete at the FEI level. She plans to compete at CDI (International) level competitions and to train and compete in Europe. With Windsor, Kelly plans to bring him along and develop him to his full potential. She plans to show him in the FEI 4-year-old classes in 2007. Another goal is to travel to Wellington, Florida for the winter show circuit. The Winter Equestrian Festival is the longest running horse show in the world and it is here that the top dressage riders and competitors from around the globe gather to compete. Wellington's Winter Equestrian Festival offers shows almost weekly and is a wonderful venue for the serious rider. Kelly hopes to be able to compete during the 2007-2008 winter circuit. If you would like to be a part of this adventure, please visit our sponsorship page. Thank you.

The Team:

Kelly has high aspirations for herself and her horses, she knows that success does not come without the help of some very important people. there are many ingredients and factors that come into play to keep top horses in good form and fitness so that they can do their jobs correctly.

The Trainer:

Kelly has been riding with Scott Hassler at every opportunity for many years, and his been working exclusively with Scott since 2003. She believes that Scott is one of the best trainers in the country today and his teaching style and methods suit her perfectly. Scott was the director of training at Hilltop Farm for the last 15 years and now operates his own business, Hassler Dressage. With more than 30 horses qualified for national championships and numerous national championship wins, Scott is an internationally renowned trainer. Scott is an American representative of the International Trainers Club, sits on the Executive Board for the Oldenburn N.A./IRS Registry and the USDF Sport Horse Breeding Board. He also severs on the USA Equestrian Breeding Committee. Scott trained and developed all his Grand Prix horses from the beginning, with several of his mounts long listed by the USET. His training was guided for 2 &1/2 years in Germany under Herbert Rehbein, Harry Boldt and most recently Michael Klimke. for over 10 years, Scott has been appointed a Guest Rider for the Stallion Performance Testings. He is also certified to conduct breed show handling classes by the USDF. For more on Scott, visit his website HasslerDressage.com.

The Caregivers:

Kelly trains and teaches at Crawford's Chance Farm in Centreville, Md. Crawford's Chance is owned and operated by Tim and Julie Patterson. The Patterson's attention to detail and exemplary care of the horses is second to non. If you would like to see where Devon and Windsor live, please visit their website at: CrawfordsChance.com. It really is a wonderful facility and you can read on the website the history of the property. Materials from the construction of the Empire State Building were used to build the barn!

At Crawford's Chance Farm, we offer instruction at all levels, from beginner to advanced. We pride ourselves in having an environment that is friendly, focused and geared towards success. Both Kelly and Julie are instructors at Crawford's Chance. Julie is a student of Kelly's and her teaching style is also patient, caring and effective. We are available for lessons on your horse or on one of our school horses. We have several school horses available that suit riders of all levels. We accept riders of all ages, levels and ability. Perhaps you rode as a child and would like to begin again, or maybe you are a more seasoned rider looking to develop a more effective seat, we are ready to help you reach your goals.

Kelly is also available for clinics off site. Please call or e-mail for more information.