Like most horse lovers, Kelly was enamored with these magnificent animals as a child.  She did not have the opportunity to take lessons or be a part of a barn.  Her parents bought her a couple of stock horses who were a little bit naughty with a lotta crazy mixed in, but without professional guidance, it was a dream that did not see any fruition, not yet anyway.

Kelly went to college at Arkansas State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing.  In 1994 she landed a job as the Advertising Director at Reliable Chevrolet/Hyundai/Subaru/Mercedes/RV Center in Springfield, MO. part of the largest dealership group in the country. This job entailed creating and directing television and radio commercials and media buying.  She learned to think on her feet, think outside the box, and not be afraid of hard work.

In 1996, Kelly and Michael married and lived in Kansas City.  While helping to raise Michael’s 2 sons, Kelly continued her education with an Associate’s Degree in Interior Design at Johnson County Community College and started her own business.  This allowed her to have the flexibility to be home when the boys got off the bus.

Fast forward to 2002, their 6th anniversary.  God has an amazing way of reintroducing childhood passions back into one’s life in unexpected and unimaginable ways!  Michael had a friend in the car business who also bred saddlebreds.  Michael gave Kelly a Saddlebred for their anniversary.  She had never heard of the breed, but quickly became a huge fan. 

Abby Road Farm came into existence in 2002 as a private facility.  They quickly started to board several horses, expanding from a 9-stall barn to a 29-stall facility, and have been steadily evolving into a barn that emphasizes a robust lesson program and training facility, focused on saddleseat and saddlebreds.  Kelly has competed in multiple divisions including Show & Country Pleasure, 5-Gaited, Western Pleasure and Park and still enjoys competing!  Seeing and nurturing her riders’ strengths through coaching in and out of the saddle is a true joy in her life.  The variety of lesson horses is also a huge strength in Abby Road Farm’s lesson program.  While training horses, Kelly looks at each one individually recognizing its particular strengths.  She doesn’t try to make them what they’re not.  Patience and consistency are her calling cards while training. Kelly is a certified instructor with the American Riding Instructors Association and is currently working on additional certifications; as well as currently serving as the President of Mid-America Saddlebred Horse Club, a member of the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Assoc., United Professional Horse Assoc., United States Equestrian Foundation and USEF Safe Sport Certified.  This has been and still is a crazy road with many twists and turns, but she has developed some amazing friendships with superb people in this industry.

With extensive experience in service-oriented industries, we understand that horse care is our top priority. We also place great importance on valuing the perspectives of riders, owners, and the parents who support them, and we take this commitment to heart.  Call today about our lesson program, leasing options, and training. Youth and adults are welcome as well as beginners to advanced.  (816)803-0036

If you would like to stay updated on upcoming events; clinics, camps, etc. please click on the following link:

Click Here