Kelly specialises in understanding horse psychology and behaviour, as well as finding workable solutions for the benefit of both horses and their owners. She has been around horses her whole life, winning BSJA show jumping championships as a child rider. She went on to great success as a lady jockey, retiring from racing after winning the Ladies European Championship in 1995.

Monty Roberts asked Kelly to put together courses in his methods in the UK, and she became the first ever teacher of his methods abroad.

What would you do if you didn’t work with horses? 

I find clearing litter very therapeutic so that’s one option, though perhaps I’d make a good librarian or nutritionist as I often can’t get through a conversation without feeling the need to recommend a certain book or vitamins. Otherwise a rocket scientist!

Why did you decide to set up Intelligent Horsemanship in the UK? 

I had so many people writing the ‘I’ve got this horse letter’ and I knew I couldn’t get out to help them all. There desperately needed to be an organisation that people could trust.  It’s shocking how many stories I hear of people who have sent horses away for breaking/training and they’ve come back a lot worse or even ruined for life and their owners just pay the bill and don’t say a word about it.  Now if people have a problem with a horse I can get them hands on help and reliable advice in many parts of the UK.

What did you think of Monty Roberts in your first encounter? 

I was intrigued how he managed to get the results he did, and yet I could see it was achievable. I wanted to be around him and learn how to do what he did.

How many horses do you ride a day? 

 There was a time I’d ride six horses a day, but I’m lucky if I get to ride one horse every day of the week now, because I have so many teaching and organisational obligations. However, I really enjoy riding that one!

Who has the best yard you’ve visited?

I haven’t seen my perfect yard yet but if I can get planning permission this year perhaps I can create it! My idea would be to create a ‘horse heaven’ though I’m not suggesting this would happen easily or quickly.  I’ve enjoyed the Carl Hester programmes on H&CTV and his yard and arenas look stunning. I also recently visited the Bartel’s yard in The Netherlands when I was at the Equine Science and Global Dressage Symposium – they certainly know how to put a nice place together those dressage people!

Who was the last horse to leave an impression on you?

I’ve had emotional connections with so many horses over the years. On the last tour I worked with a completely untouched horse called Chester (I think he’ll appear on the Top Marks H&CTV Christmas Special). It’s such a privilege when a really frightened horse just makes up his mind to take a chance on you. I have been so incredibly lucky to make a life with horses. I just adore being around them.

When was the last time you went on holiday?

Last winter I went for 10 days to Melbourne, Australia – mainly because I wanted to spend four days at their “Equitana”.  Stefan Peters was amazing! There was also a horse starting competition which I always imagined would be horrendous to watch but actually was utterly compelling.  The right person won it.  I had absolutely the best time over there and loved Australia in general and the friendliness of the people.

What was one of your funniest horse moments?  

I’ve had so much fun on the tours and through my life with horses but ‘funny moments’ don’t always translate when you write them down. I did laugh tonight though when my horse, Pie, spotted the feed room door was open and went in there to see what he could munch. I shouted from the distance ‘Pie!’ and he immediately backed out and looked round at me – now how did he know he wasn’t meant to go in there?! He’s so smart that pony!

Whose horse would you like to own and why?

I only have eyes for my own horses!

What would you change about your life?

Less emails to deal with every day! If anyone has the answer to this perhaps they could email me (or is that how I created this problem in the first place?!)

Which horse is the one to watch this coming season?

There is a seriously smart six-year-old Heavyweight Show Hunter called Inn of Court coming out next year. He moves like a dream, is extremely handsome and has manners to die for. His stable name is Harry.

How do you relax? 

Long baths, good books, time with friends and animals, writing long hand while lying on the sofa ... oh and picking up litter.

Who inspires you? 

Monty (76) and jump trainer, Pat Burgess (81) because they are just so active and keep on keeping going. My mum (82) is so funny too, she loves children and still babysits and walks her daschund, Algie, three miles every day (picking up litter as she goes – it’s genetic) Mum made me laugh the other day when she said ‘I can’t stand being around old people - all they do is moan about their ailments!’

What is your greatest achievement to date?

I’m not sure that’s for me to say.  It’s nice to have won races and various competitions but I’m not sure they come under ‘great achievements’.  It feels good to think I’ve created a business that have enabled other people to ‘live the life of their dreams’ through the Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate system and then things like last weekend at Your Horse Live a young woman came up to me (as I was walking along with my jacket potato!) and said ‘I just want to thank you so much for your book Perfect Confidence. I was in such a bad way and then I read that and it really changed everything for me I want to thank you so much.”  And then she started crying. So I started crying. I guess things like that make me feel I’ve got a purpose on this earth.

What is your top tip for H&C website visitors?  

I guess with most things in life it’s realising how we’ve got to take responsibility for whatever situation we’re in. It’s irrelevant if things are ‘not fair’ or ‘not our fault’ we’ve got the most invested in putting things right so we’d better get on with it. 

People put all sorts of weird and wonderful labels on their horses - stubborn, crazy, lazy, taking the micky - it goes on and on, but it doesn’t help and just puts them on opposite sides of the playing field.  If they could get a good education in horsemanship and forget the name calling and just start by thinking ‘what’s the result I want and how can I get my horse to want to do this?’  They would find life less stressful and good results easier to achieve.  With humans too.

If you would like help with your horse, want to find out about courses with Kelly or when her next evening with Monty is, go to www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk. 

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