Now a second WORLD CHAMPION!!!
Our Sonja Duke takes on the world!

Our buddie Sonja trumps them at the Morgan World Championships.

Details coming - but we couldn't wait to tell you!!!!

Anne Zaharias wins Friesian

World Championship!

Not only was I delighted to give presentations of Biomechanics, Seat, Posture & Balance every day at the IFSHA World Championships, but was able to see a good deal of the classes.

 Our Kris Daniel done it again!

Those of you following the remarkable success of Kris Daniel of the beautiful Briar Creek Stables, Louisburg NC probably don't know the "behind the scenes" story! 

Yes it is true that her magnificent Friesian (when Friesians aren't meant to win in dressage) Van de Plumm trumped all the warmblood imports last year to be the victor with the highest points and declared the winner for her entire state.

But...she's doing it again!  This time, doubling up with her second horse "Farina VV" a close 2nd (that's me on Farina on the right!.   But if anyone had known the story behind the scenes....only one year ago Van, the now-magnificent gelding could hardly even be led from his own paddock to the round pen!  He was a naughty boy that's for sure!

Kris' goal that year was to "stay in the arena and not die!".   Needless to say only so very few months later she surpassed that goal beating every warmblood in the state, the supposed "super breed" to the coveted State Champion prize.  

And now, she's done it again.  Only in January this year her next horse, the beautiful mare Farina was so "not forward" it was hysterical giggling running around after her trying to give her that big movement we knew she had somewhere (very hidden!) inside.

So for BOTH HORSES to be first and second, now one year later, now one level higher, yet again!!!  is remarkable!!!

And how did she do it?   No secrets!  Hard work.  Well actually FUN work.  She lets her pupils ride sometimes, we go on hacks together sometimes, ride hill work like the hooligans we were when we were kids, and of course that's Kris and I doing pairs and training the horses to step together up in the header at the very top of the page.

Kris has given me, personally, a new lease on life.  After lupus and osteoporosis put me in hospital with a broken spine for 2 months, Kris, her naughty mother Ruth and my even naughtier husband all conspired together to get me back on a horse (after 2 years).  And it was then I discovered what Friesians are all about!

So much so that this very morning I am typing this as I prepare to go to speak at the Friesian World Championships in St. Louis Missouri.

I'm always able to congratulate my pupils, but rarely can I thank them for giving more to me than I've given to them....Kris, Van de Plumm and Farina Vv are definitely the rare pupil you can really and truly call friends.

Good luck next week kids!   Love Colleen xx

Out of Africa...

Hello Colleen
 
Thank you so much for the email. I have been meaning to drop you a mail about the Cape Town Melbosch clinic and lesson I had with you.

Once again I must thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed it and I have to say it is one of the best lessons and clinics I have attended. Tas told me how awesome you would be, and she was right. I have been on your website just about every spare moment I have had since the clinic, as I can't seem to get enough. I have also been telling everyone horsey that I know about you, so I am sure you will have a lot more fans and I will most definitely attend the next clinic  you give in South Africa.
 
Your approach and expertise  as well as all the research you have done is brilliant and it makes so much sense as a lot the things you said are all things I have believed in but had not heard in such an enlightening way. There were also many new things I learned that made perfect sense and that sort of went light bulb moment, I can't believe how silly I was for not realising this sooner.   Your lessons were very constructive as well as very positive and it was so refreshing to see how you gave many riders so much confidence and at the same time keep it at level suited to the horse and riders capabilities. I am a firm believer in getting the basics right and not rushing things. So again thank you so much!

Congratulations to all my friends: Fay Mendez, Rob Oakley, Ingrid Bayly, Fleur Lister and Susan Seipel, and all their supporters out at Sydney International Equestrian Centre, winning medals with hopes of course for Kentucky ParaEquestrian Games. 

Our Luke WINS
Sydney International 3DE Juniors!

What an unbelievable thrill to see our very own Luke Harmer winning the Sydney International 3DE Junior Division, and 6th overall in his division at this highly prestigious International event!

Long ago I had the honour of working with Luke, and you might say he was "talent spotted" when he was so committed to his riding and training that his mother Carmel arranged special additional lessons, very early in the cold winter mornings helping him before an upcoming dressage competition.

You never know when you are teaching juniors where they will end up in years to come! 

Imagine my surprise when I saw 'young' Luke, all grown up and right up there with the big names, Olympic superstars, and not just holding his own but WINNING in Sydney - at a CCI!  Congratulations Luke and Carmel.  It's a GREAT team effort! 

My lecture/demonstrations went really well, and all 4 days of presentations are now available on DVD.  Thank you to my wonderful demo riders Rebecca, Jane and Alice Scamps.  I know how hard it is to ride in public, and they really did a brilliant job.

And finally ANDREW HOY (photo left) gets to see the photo I have used for many years as an example of wonderful jumping position:  heels down, toes NOT turned out (see jumping position) and it was wonderful to be able to discuss jumping position and this famous photo of the magnificent grey Darion Powers jumping at Badminton.

What a wonderful sense of humour Andrew has, and incredible patience and generosity throughout the weekend with children lined up for photos and autographs right up until closing on Sunday night.

All it all it was an incredible experience knowing that I was right there with the next World Equestrian Games riders.

I would like to say a big thank you to an unbelievable instructor.  I had the chance to work with Colleen Kelly, a biomechanics instructor.  I could go on for a whole page with just her credentials and by all means please go to her website to read about them www.colleenkelly.net.  I, on the other hand was given a chance of a life time and was able to train with Colleen for 5 months. Let me just say if you have the chance to get a lesson you her will never regret it.  Not only does Colleen work with your horse but she works with the rider and until you both understand she will not quit.  She has an unbelievable way of figuring out a riders learning style and she is able to adjust her teaching to that riders learning style right away.  There are so many instructors that never even try to look at the rider as an individual and would never even try to figure out what is best for that particular rider and horse.  

I have to admit when Colleen started working with me I had so many difficult concepts I had to throw out the window and just plain forget about.  I would spend so much time drilling and drilling and come to find out I was making things worse. One of the many things Colleen taught me was to get out of the arena.  Yes, ride on those hills ride under those trees, stop drilling and let you horse have fun.  I being very anal found this to be a very difficult task.  I found through all of the work outside the arena, the arena work became so much easier and fun for the horse and me.  I have learned to laugh and smile instead of grunt and get angry at myself.  Thank you, Colleen Kelly for giving me and my students a whole new world, I no longer keep my students in my safety zone (the arena) but let them go out and explore and oh how the heels have come down.  Thank you for giving me all of the training and ground work to make me and my students so much better. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking at the World Championships

 

I am delighted to announce that I have been invited to speak at the IFSHA World and Grand National Horse Show, St. Louis Missouri Oct 28 to November 1, 2009.

 

My team will be doing free biomechanics and posture assessments throughout the weekend, and I will be presenting lectures and demos on the "seat, posture & balance of the rider".

 

Please come and say hi!  It's great to hear from my readers all over the world.

 

Best wishes,

Colleen Kelly

  Zig and I during the Colleen Kelly clinic the first day...
and look at the difference already..

Hey! Its Kate,

I had one of your lessons at Margaret's place
(IT WAS AWESOME!!)...

I just wanted to say again thank-you for the lesson.

Its really helped my pony and I

Cya soon,
 

Dearest Colleen,

You have made the biggest difference in my daughter's life!!!!

We did your clinic in March of this year (We are the Botetourt 4-H) and you inspired my daughter and her friend to reach levels I wasn't sure they would be able to.

It wasn't so much your teaching, or what you showed them. It was merely your words. Your words carried so much weight that they went home and have been working like little demons ever since!

It is a bit irritating though....... because I had said the very same thing to both of them and did I work magic??!! NO I'm just a mom!  Musta been your magic silver tongue!! LOL....

.....Again, much thanks and God Bless
Donna Etzler
Botetourt 4-H Horse and Pony Club

Recent wave of success!

We have had a recent wave of success with people  saying the most wonderful things about the 101 Ways Audio CD!  

I am obviously very proud of the DVD's and CD's, but the recent wave of success in what people have been saying really has blown me away.

Have a look to see what people have been saying:  Click here

Colleen Kelly now home from hospital
A Happy Christmas 2008 after all...

 To my dear friends,

Thank you so much for all the flowers in the hospital and the cards & emails.

Last Tuesday I went to do a favour for a friend and seek a refund for moldy hay sent to him from a local store.  Who would have thought 10 mins later I would be bleeding and laying unconscious in the carpark in the rain & mud.  Two of the attackers terrified my husband and I as he tried to protect me lying on the ground.  I have been in hospital and in bed recovering from the injuries ever since.

We're still in shock . It was honestly terrifying, and plays over and over in my mind.   I am now out of  bed, but very sad the Tasmanian Clinic has had to be cancelled. 

I'm am so very very sorry to all my Tassie friends, to the riders, to the spectators, to the new comers and especially to my best friends Scott and Sam for all their hard work.  I am so sorry too for Mersey Valley Pony Club and Carolyn Miller for all her hard work in getting a donated lecture and event up and going for the first time her area.

This was the most terrifying event in my life.  So, please take this is a warning - if it can happen to me...it can happen to anyone.  Perhaps we're not living in the 'old country world' we used to 50 years ago.  It's time for us to be more careful. Especially being careful of junior rider's security at outings & events

They can take our money, they can take my health, but they can’t take my pride, and I will be back in 2009 with a big smile again..

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

2009 is the International Year of Hope.

May we all be granted many Blessings for Christmas & New Year

Colleen Kelly

Fall 2008 USA Tour an Outstanding Success

What an amazing tour the fall 2008 tour turned out to be.   Lots of new friends, new venues, new horses.  All in all an astounding success.

The tour started, as it often does, in Raleigh, NC with my dear friends Kris (recent winner of the NC Open high point for Level 1) and her legendary Mum, Ruth Babcock.   Ruth has turned out to be such a mainstay of the East Coast Tour that I will be teaching from her venue next year when Nick and I are in the USA in 2009 from Jan to May.

Ruth not only opened her home and venue, Ruth and our dear friend Susan drove together to one of my favourite shows: Equine Extravaganza in Richmond VA.   Ruth and  Susan worked tirelessly all weekend, and believe me those shows are REALLY hard work!  For the first time ever I was actually able to leave the trade stand and have a rest and know that all the visitors to the stand were in such very good hands.  I have never been able to do that before, and I can't tell you how exhausted I was....sleeping in the middle of the day, and knowing that all was OK at the stand.

From there the inimitable Kenny Harlow gave me a lift to his venue where I was teaching at a wonderful clinic organised by my great friend Vail Dixon.   Vail has turned her eventing expertise (long listed on the USA Olympic Team) to dressage, and was riding a selection of really magnificent horses.  Vail did an amazing job at arranging a large turnout at the evening donated lecture.  It really was a great clinic, and fun to work with horses at that level, especially playing with piaffe, my favourite thing to "play" with. 

Ruth then drove all the way from her Raleigh home to Kenny's to collect me, and arrived just in time to catch the end of Vail Dixon's clinic, and even more fun: we were all able to catch up at a fun impromptu night with Kenny and John Lyons (left) singing around the BBQ, dancing with the "Kenny Harlow All Stars", and having F-U-N   FUN!   It was great to get to know John Lyons better, and he watched my lessons and really was incredibly complimentary.  From such a respected horseman of his level, I really felt it was such an honour, and such a compliment to have him there and giving me such wonderful feedback, but moreover, it was just so nice to get to see the real person "behind the scenes", and believe me, he's just as nice in person as he is on stage.  Vail, also, has turned out to be a truly one of my dearest friends, and I will be staying with her next year in 2009 to work with her plan for future Olympic and World Games Teams.

Ruth then drove me, and all the trade stand all the way to Detroit, through 5 states in one day!  It was one of the best road trips of my life, over the magnificent Appalachian Mountains, which was always my mother's favourite place in the world.  Our dearest friend turned out to be "Bertha" the new name for our GPS system, and the butt of most of our road-travel-jokes.  Thank goodness she was there, or we would have ended up in Florida.  We arrived safely at the North American Horse Festival run by my friend Wayne and his wonderful wife Pat, and thankfully I finally got to see snow.  OK, the locals said it was sleet, but for an Australian it was good enough to pretend!  Detroit was an absolutely amazing success.  After calculating the numbers at Detroit, we took more clinic bookings from that show than any other show in the world, so it was no wonder we were all exhausted when we all said goodbye on Sunday night.  Ruth was so dedicated, she even drove all the way home to Raleigh, NC on her own, as I had to fly out to be teaching in Catlett, VA the very next morning.

It was then onto my dear friend Sonya Paxton's clinic at Catlett, VA where we all had lots of fun.  Imagine my surprise when one of the really fun riders took my "raise your white bow on your bra" to the ultimate (see photo right).  There was such a great selection of horses: western, jumping, dressage and trail riders, and to see the improvement over such a short period really was a great thrill to me.  Those who know me know I work very hard, and to see riders working just as hard really makes me feel just great.  Sonya's is always a really fun clinic, but as I said, it seemed to be over so quickly!   It was then onto beautiful Pennsylvania.  There is no doubt in my mind that PA is one of the most beautiful places in the world.  Really European-style weather opened up for me, but I was lovely and warm speaking at Penn State University's New Bolton Centre for my dear friend JoAnne Nightingale and the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association.  It was standing room only that night, and a very busy clinic with spectators faithfully watching all weekend.

So, exhausted, I was collected that night ready for my last day's teaching the next day.  The lovely Jennifer Holmquest took me to the most life-saving meal.  Planning just to have takeout or something, we arrived dirty, exhausted & freezing at the most magnificent golf club, and really had one of the most beautiful meals of my life.  By the time I left I was revived again ready for the next day.  It was just the loveliest day teaching for members of the Old People's Riding Club of Oxford.  I felt so at home at the lovely Loretta's home, it was hard to drag myself away, but a late brunch the following day, and then I was ready for the plane journey, some 35 hours back to Melbourne, and of course 18 hours after I arrived in Melbourne I was presenting at the world's largest trade fair Equitana.

To say this was the best trip ever is an understatement.  The organisers, helpers, volunteers, are too many to mention, but a very special thank you to Ruth Babcock and Susan for all their hard work on the trade stand.  I will be giving them free lessons for the rest of their lives to be able to pay back all the hours of hard work, standing on concrete floors, and especially packing up that wretched trade stand when I was flat out exhausted.  Thank you to each and every rider that came and joined in all the fun.   I really love my American friends.  Your hospitality is legendary, and every time I see you all it is just so wonderful to gather together again my real friends for such wonderful teaching days.  I am so grateful to each and every person who came.    Thank you. 

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays to all my USA friends.  See you all again in 2009!

Victorian Vaulters at Melbourne Royal

With Australia's biggest equestrian show quickly coming up:  Equitana in November, we were delighted to be asked to do demonstrations at Melbourne Royal to promote interest in Equitana.

Two Victorian Clubs combined: Sugargum Equestrian Vaulters from Oaklands (the "orange team") and the "Blue Team" Zia Macleod's terrific "Geelong Team" came together to produce a fantastic display on the perfectly behaved Clydesdale "Rocky".

Vaulting Victoria will be helping both clubs come together again with visiting interstate vaulters to present a marvellous display at Equitana.    Weekly Times Article

Those of you who know me know that I donate so many DVD's, CD's, free lessons and training trips to our farm that half the time I forgot who I donate what to!!

Several years ago now I donated a couple of week's training to be raffled for some fundraising event somewhere, and the winners were Natalie Horvath and her husband George and Nat's brother Shane.

As I said we donate lots of training weeks, but who would have known they'd end up being some of our really favourite people, and great friends with Shane coming down again with a special to ride my own horse Rex the Wonderhorse (one of only 2 people who've I've ever invited to ride him.

So imagine my recent thrill when I hear of Shane's wedding to the lovely Christa all the way from America!  Shown here are their lovely wedding photos at the magnificent Harvey Bay!

Look at the incredible display that the whales put on for them.  Can you believe it.  It's like mother nature herself was right there wishing them good luck!!!!

So, to our darling Shane and Christa, from everyone down here at Three Angels Farm, our very best love, wishes, prayers and hopes for the rest of your lives together.

"The Colleen Kelly Seminar was held last night at our club rooms (Pegasus Pony Club) and I have to say what a fantastic night we had. Colleen would have to be one of the most down to earth, honest people I have met and her way of talking had us all in stitches, she certainly makes it interesting.

It was about what to look for in a rider, whether it be dressage, show jumping, eventing or just trail riding.....the fundamentals should still be the same. One of her quotes was " showjumping is just dressage with a pole in the way", and how true that statement is.

Colleen gave her time last night for nothing and only asks that the club holding the seminar uses it as a fundraiser. What an amazing gesture. We didn't finish until 1130pm and she had to be up bright and early to teach on the Saturday.

Our club held a fundraiser auction last night and we raised a substantial amount.

I would like to thank everyone who participated last night and of course a huge thankyou to Colleen.

If anyone else has an opportunity to get to one of Colleen's seminars/clinics, make it your mission.....you won't regret it.

Courtleigh  Oz Horse Forum

Ingrid Bayly - On the State Team Again and
on the way to the Nationals

Ingrid Bayly long since stopped being a pupil.  She is much more than that!

Ingrid has been a sense of support, an absolute wave of inspiration, and just a downright good friend now for a very long time.  When my darling mother recently passed away it wasn't a matter of "if" she could come, it was simply that she and her husband (the world's best Indian Curry maker!) Rob were on their way.

It's no wonder that someone who works as hard as Ingrid was always going to make it.  We originally met through Riding for Disabled when I first got diagnosed with lupus and wanted someone to talk to (or more likely a shoulder to cry on!).  She has been all of that - and more!  No-one deserves the honour of AGAIN being selected for the State Team more than Ingrid.  No-one understands what pain we are in every day, and for her to push through it is an inspiration to us all.

Congratulations buddie.  I have a pretty tough life myself, and knowing what you go through every day really does make it worth while.  Love Colleen xxx

She Made It!

Our Dele makes the State Squad!

Congratulations to Dele Love...being selected to be on the State Dressage Squad for 2008.

2007 was the most difficult year of our lives!.  My father diagnosed with very serious cancer given 4 weeks to live, then going through the horrendous chemo and radio therapy.  Finally declared cancer free, and 5 days later my mother passing away, without any warning whatsoever.

Of course most people know that Australia was also struck down with Equine Influenza so there was no horse movement whatsoever throughout the country, so I spent months in the USA instead.  My back got worse and worse, and by the time I left I was in absolutely excruciating pain.  Only to find out when I got home that the reason I suddenly couldn't walk was not only prolapsed discs, a lupus flare up, fibromyalgia and heart problems, but they'd now found a series of fractures in my spine due to osteoporosis.

Then, darling old Dad was diagnosed with asbestosis, and can you believe that Dele, still in high school, during all this month which included 2 months in hospital and a month of me in rehab learning to work again, fed our horses, cared for them, trained and rode them.  For a young lady to take on such responsibility at her age is truly remarkable.

And, with so few lessons during all this drama, Dele STILL managed to get accepted onto the State Dressage Squad.  No wonder when she's scoring 9's!!!

She really does deserve this remarkable recognition of her work for all the incredible hours she has put in. 

She is a dear friend of our family and we cannot be more proud of her achievements, and thank her deeply for all the love, help and support she has given me personally during "annus horribilis" the worst year of my life.

Best wishes,  Colleen Kelly

Vale
Gwen Kelly July 2007

I guess that everyone in the world thinks that their parents are incredibly different, incredibly special.  Well, my mother, Gwen Manuel Kelly really was.

Born in NSW Australia to a very poor family, Mum was raised on a cattle and tobacco property - right in the middle of the depression with no television, no power, no school, no cars and no books.  How she somehow managed to educate herself to ultimately starting several businesses including the Accommodation Owner's Association on the Gold Coast, and writing and developing the now famous Sunlover Package is a wonder to us all.

Mum was always amazing with animals.  Every animal on the farm, be it a duck that flew in, or a dog collected as a stray, or her collection of cats over the years had to do a trick.  Very few people can teach a cat to sit up, roll over, beg, fetch, in fact do all the things that dogs do...but Mum could.  And, all with reward, not punishment.  Punishment doesn't really work with cats.   It's a sign of a great trainer if they can train a cat.

My mother was always intent on treating my sister, Shauna Kelly, and I totally equally, and she always did.  Mum spent a lot of time with Shauna taking her to cello lessons and the Queensland Youth Orchestra, and an equal amount of time with me teaching me how to ride and train animals.  Mum came to any of my local polocrosse carnivals to watch me ride, rode with me training for the Warwick to Gold Coast endurance ride, arranged clinics for the Head Rider of the Royal School from Spain for years at our family farm, and pencilled (scribed) for me at every single local dressage event.

She was a fantastic rider, and her last ride was as one of the star performers at the "Spirit of Pharlap" gala evening show riding the Buckskin National Junior Pairs Champion.  She was 76 years of age.

To say that my mother was a true lady is such an understatement.  She gave completely of herself.  They certainly had little money until their later years, and yet she always gave to support so many charities.  Giving both of her time, her money and her energy.

Mum taught me how to love animals.  She taught me how to respect them.  She would never tolerate any bullishness or dominating the horses, or dogs.  She taught me how to train animals completely by reward, never punishment, and yet her horses were the best trained horses in the district.

Those of you who watch my website will see I wrote a remembrance note just days after her death, but I couldn't bear the pain.  I had to bring it down again because it made me too sad to see it on the website every day.  However, now one year after her passing, I am strong enough to talk about her again.   And, it's only right and fitting that people know who it was that started me with horses.  My gift with animals was given to me by my Mum.

And, I even remember the day!!  One day we had a couple of horses who were very VERY difficult to inoculate.  The vet had tried and one horse had reared and struck him in the head and he had promptly given up.  He left the vaccinations with us instructing us to do it later when the horses were calmer.  Later that day we caught the two horses again, and to trick them, as Mum and I were walking up the hill I popped the injection in the first horse's neck.  I then just kept walking up the hill, and asked Mum to "swap horses".  We walked up the remainder of the hill and I popped the injection into the other horse without them even flinching.

When we got to the top, to the yards, Mum said "now - what's our plan, how are we going to give those injections?".  I said "but Mum I've already given them".  She didn't even believe me at first, but then turned to me and said "Colleen you are amazing with horses.  Just amazing".  I was probably 17 years old.

That once sentence, that one afternoon, that one "pat on the back" made me who I am today.  Yes, it sounds strange that one sentence could have that much power.  But, that's just how my Mum was.  And, it made me realise the importance that just once comment can make to others, especially children.   I try now to be so careful with what I say.  Words have such a power of their own.

Her death was such a shock.  Dad was diagnosed with 4 weeks to live with lymphoma cancer, and suffered dreadfully through chemo and long hospital stays.  A miracle, in answer to our prayers let my Dad live, and only 5 days after he was declared cancer-free Mum and Dad had a lovely chicken and champagne lunch and were about to go for a drive when she collapsed.  She died peacefully that night with my sister Shauna holding one hand, me holding the other, and Dad saying the beautiful prayer "Hail Holy Queen" at the foot of the bed.  She had a perfect day and died with her three best friends around her.  It could not have been more graceful.  God rewards the faithful.

If I can be anything like her.  If I can touch your lives like she touched mine, I will have achieved my mission.  And, it was Mum that gave it all to me.

She gave me so much ambition.  I hope that she is looking from above and now gives me the power to keep my poor sick body going with lupus, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and constant pain.    See my mission statement

With so much love for the most amazing person I've ever met,  Colleen Kelly                                                    

Equine Extravaganza Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

2007 Inaugural Event - An enormous success!

One of the USA's largest equine clinics & trade shows, Equine Extravaganza recently expanded its well-established Virginia base to hold the massive event in the beautiful city of Raleigh, North Carolina.

People came in their thousands, despite the heat, to see the Trainer Challenge, a marvellous event where three top USA trainers pit their skills against each other in breaking (or starting) an unbroken horse.   This prestigious event, held over three days, was ultimately won by Ed Dabny.  The crowds were so impressed by being able to vote themselves, and see a horse ridden right there in front of them that many were heard saying they would attend the Richmond, Va event later this year - just to see the next challenge!

The evening gala show featured dressage superstars, liberty reining, performing Friesians, and an emotional tribute to the armed forces, with the grand finale led by the magnificent vaulters and trick riders on the nearly 19hh horses of Big Horse Productions, brought in all the way from Las Vegas.

The 3-day event was an enormous success, with the trade village giving time for crowds to relax in the air conditioning.  This soon became the meeting place to enjoy the world's finest practitioners in classrooms, lecture halls, and presentation arenas.  This in addition to the  architecturally-stunning glass Dorton Arena all within the very impressive Raleigh, NC State Fair Grounds.

Colleen Kelly's demonstrations and lectures included formal lectures in the classroom on seat and posture to fun presentations in the children's area.  One of the highlights was working with the wonderful vaulters/gymnasts Alethea & Greta from the performers Big Horse Productions.   Crowds could not believe the agility of these marvellous performers leaping on the magnificent 18.2hh "Badge" and showing how the rider's seat, posture, balance & especially the rider's confidence can be improved with simple exercises.

One of the things Equine Extravaganza is noted for is being able to see some awe-inspiring horses right there in front of you! 

Colleen was delighted to have the magnificent "Agathon" the Swedish Warmblood gelding by Amiral with the elegant Theresa Horne demonstrating how the rider's position affects the higher level dressage horse.

Showing how the seat and posture of the rider affects all types, sizes and breeds of horses, the beautiful bay Connemara Stallion Seaborne's Schooner with Lauren Hill  worked magnificently in the spectacular glass-surrounds of the Dorton Arena. 

The stallion's temperament shined as the large crowds applauded.  Later audiences were able to see him in the extensive breeding area of the trades village to be able to meet him in person and see his marvellous conformation & temperament first hand.

Very rarely have we seen an inaugural show so incredibly successful and well attended with such enormous crowds. 

At the very end was the drawing of the trip to Australia.  Colleen Kelly had Dawn from Extravaganza make the draw on the very last afternoon, at the Equine Extravaganza booth, and it was then announced that the winner of the draw was Jessica (Jess) Hall who had travelled with her parents all the way from a little town some 4 hours south-west of Charlotte NC, especially for the event.   She is only 11 years old, so we're looking forward to both her parents, and Jess visiting some time in 2008.    I hope that Jess will be writing a piece for you in the future.

See Colleen Kelly again at

Equine Extravaganza

October 31-Nov 2, 2008

North American Horsefest

November 7-9 2008

Come and meet Colleen Kelly in person for a free posture assessment at the trade stand, or discuss any of your riding issues.

Our own Claire Butler ....new Junior State Champion

When I first met Claire Butler at my clinic at Belcam Stud, Qld Claire, I might say, was already a pretty good rider, but was very much against considering Riding for Disabled.

NO WAY!  I think was her answer when I mentioned it to her. 

Then, I pointed out to her the possibility of State, Championships, National Championships and even Olympic level riding was right there in front of her for the taking!

I'm not sure how long I've been working with Claire, but it must be at least 3-4 clinics now in Queensland, and can you believe it....with my comment that she'd make me proud if she represented Australia one day....nor more than a year later.

CLAIRE HAS JUST WON THE 2007 QLD STATE JUNIOR
RDA CHAMPIONSHIP!

Our deepest congratulations Claire!

The reason why your submission is such a high mark is that your horse loves you.   The reason why your impulsion is so good is that your horse is not afraid of you.  The reason your rider mark is so good is you practice every day....and the reason why you WON is you have more courage in your little finger than I do in my whole body.

At your young age you are a role model of the future.  You're an inspiration to me personally with my lupus, as you are to us all!

Again, my deepest congratulations and respect,

 Colleen Kelly xxx

World Championships...

here she comes!

 Rider Biomechanics pupils raise
Marita Hird's Money....
all on our own!

One of the Riding for Disabled problems we have is always MONEY.   It's either Susan Seipel (below) who needed special funding for a saddle, a rider who can't afford a horse, or an entire team that has to come from one end of the country to the other for National Championships.

So, when Marita said to me she needed $4,000 to get to the World Championships to represent Australia.  I said "no problem".

But it was you....the public...who responded!

I donated a week's training down here at our farm for 3 people, and auctioned it on eBay.

The winner was a lovely lady from a Warmblood Stud in NSW, and we're really looking forward to having her soon!

However, that wasn't enough funds to get her there, so I then opted to offer "second chance offers" with two new weeks of training, and riders...and they were taken up as well!

The next step, of course, is more Paralympic Medals again for the future!

Good luck Marita!   We're behind you all the way.  You're an inspiration to riders like young Claire Butler, and to those of us who simply can't do it any more!

Big hugs from our entire team!  Colleen Kelly

Ingrid Bailey - State Champion - on the way to the Nationals

 I first met Ingrid through Marita Hird when I was whinging about my lupus one day.

She told me of her friend, Ingrid, who had it a lot worse than me, and after meeting Ingrid I soon (tried to!) quit my whinging!

Ingrid and I have spent many hours together discussing tests, learning, and enjoying her husband's amazing curry and red wine!

And again, our Ingrid has done us proud. Again, winning the recent State Championships, qualifying her to attend the Nationals at Werribee this year.

CAN YOU HELP

Dressage horse wanted

Ingrid is looking for a top quality dressage horse she can borrow at Werribee for the Nationals.

Imagine the value this will add to your horse being ridden at an RDA National Championships (Paralympic Selection).

Plus, imagine how proud you will be to have helped this amazing lady achieve her dreams.

Can you help?

Susan Seipel ....stars again and again!

Susan Seipel has always been an inspiration to me, and again she has done us all proud!

Can you believe that, again, Susan has won the State Championships for her grade, qualifying her again for the National Championships (and hopefully Paralympics).

When I think of the difficulties I have with my own riding, and then look at Susan, she is a total inspiration.

But what is more inspirational is how hard she works, how often she rides, and how Susan and her gorgeous horse are such an AMAZING partnership.

The riding is one thing, but to see that gorgeous horse towing Susan, right beside in a wheelchair up a hill shows what an incredible loving bond can be developed between horse and rider.

And, again it's YOU that have helped get Susan there...have a look at the fundraiser we held for Susan below, and it was your financial help and support that did it.

And, just to know we're all behind her, that's a big deal as well.

Keep your eye out on the National Championships at the end of the year.   Susan's name will be there for sure!

"Jimmy" & Brendan at the RDA Nationals...
 

Only horse riders REALLY know how difficult this sport is...but imagine the difficulty for our disabled riders!  

But you would be surprised!  When you see how good their level of dressage is at Paralympic Level you would be absolutely stunned - with several riders at Prix St. George, even Grand Prix!

Last November at the RDA Australian National Championships sadly one of the horses from the Queensland Team became sick, and late Wednesday night, before the morning of the competition, we had one very disappointed young rider, and his team, who had come so far but now no horse to ride!

 

 

 

 

 

But thank goodness a replacement was allowed, and late into the night we were organising to loan our horse Jimmy (Hit Man) to one very excited young rider - Brendan O'Grady.  Ingrid Bayly did an amazing job of organising transport, equipment and support, and with only 20 mins to prepare ...Brendan and Hit Man went before the judges and the crowd in his first National Championships.  What an amazing feat on a strange (thoroughbred) horse...and these warm-up photos show the wonderful result.  No-one could be more proud of his remarkable percentage when the scores came back!

Congratulations again to Susan Seipel, Marita Hird,  Ingrid Bayly  It really looks like we'€'re going to have some wonderful teams for Beijing and London Paralympics and imagine how proud I am to count these wonderful role models amongst my dearest friends, colleagues and pupils - and riders!  

We did it....we raised Susan Seipel's money....  
 

The Susan Seipel fundraiser recently held in Maryborough was an absolutely astounding success: raising funds to develop a new saddle for RDA champion rider Susan Seipel.

Our deepest thanks to all the sponsors, helpers and providers of goods for the auction, especially Kingfisher Bay Resort,
MI Helicopters and Susan River Homestead.

David A Morris has already done an enormous amount of work with this very special saddle.  Now, with such a successful fundraiser, it wont be long before the first "draft" is on the way.

Thank you to Leandra Hulst and the Maryborough Active Riders.  It was a very emotional night when we realised we'd raised the funds!  You're a brilliant group of people, and our deepest thanks to you all.

SPORTHORSE, PERTH, WA

Scholarship Winner....

Congratulations to.....Recently at the marvellous Sporthorse Expo in Perth, Western Australia we held a competition to win a scholarship to come here in Melbourne to our new farm and ride our new schoolmasters.  The winner was announced on the final day of this packed event, but, DON'T WORRY...to the many disappointed people who missed out, don't worry, you can always come and stay and have paid lessons on our horses here in Melbourne at any time (lesson fees here).

We are looking forward to seeing the winner here in Melbourne, Dana Griffiths of Collie, WA and will follow this story up as the training progresses.

Great write up from Karratha!

Nothing can prepare you for Karratha & Dampier!  From amazing historic pearling towns to the famous cliffs first described by Dampier himself.  But it was the LAUGHTER I wasn't prepared for! My face was aching by the end of the lecture night!  This clever club had turned my lecture into a fundraising auction, and it was so much fun.  See the write up in Hoofbeats Magazine.  A personal thank you to Brooke & Aimee for all their amazing organisation.  It was wonderful to see every single rider improve - with the focus on trying to have fun!

Congratulations Kimberley!

I first met Kimberley at our Ceduna, SA clinic, and who would have known how quickly she was to blossom!  

Kimberley and her mother Rebecca are regular visitors here in Melbourne coming down for a couple of days of lessons, and then returning the 4 hour drive home to Finley, NSW.   And you can see the results...Champion Show Hunter Pony!

Congratulations Kimberley!   We're so proud of you!

Brooke wins "Horse of the Year"

Great heroism in the west.

Owner Aimee Grigson is lucky to be holding NthWA Novice Dressage Champion & "Horse of the Year" after a recent tragic accident.

Aimee, recovering from a horrible racetrack injury worked hard to bring on her magnificent mare with Karratha's Brooke Murtagh riding the mare into the record books.

With a record number of wins for the mare - it is no wonder both Aimee and Brooke were recently chosen for the 2005 Western Australian Biomechanics Training Scholarship to train here in Melbourne.

They are both taking 'Training in the West' very seriously, as they make their way to further their education to attend the lectures & demonstrations at Sporthorse in Perth.

They will be moving their magnificent mare, and their other horses, to Perth for the northern hurricane season.

We would all like to thank Skywest Airlines for helping with their travel

Pegasus Pony Club

Fundraising Evening & Auction - An enormous success!

Pony Club events are always fun, but Pegasus Pony Club in Adelaide, SA was beyond most pony club's effort...it was just terrific! 

I donated a lecture to the club that could be used as a fundraiser, and the clubrooms were packed to standing room only!

Local business donated goods and services which were auctioned after the event and thousands of dollars were raised for the club...an enormous success!  

I cannot thank the club enough for the generous gifts of wine, gift packages, and even a halter I bought at the auction!   Shown in the photo is myself, with the club medal presented to me, and lots of my new Pegasus Friends.

Thank you Dr. Kirrilly!  Colleen Kelly  
 

Click here to see what the club thought!

Congratulations - Deborah wins Grand Prix!

Who can believe the remarkable success of 'our' Deborah in Switzerland winning the Grand Prix on her beautiful Chiaro di Luna.  This is absolutely unbelievable for her age - I have never heard of such a successful competitor (and what a cute horse!).  We're determined to get Deborah out to Australia one day....in the meantime you can have a look at her latest email here

Congratulations Tristyn & the Flying Aussies!

For those of you that don't already know, Vaulting Star, Tristyn Lowe's Kerrabee team placed first in the CVI* in Saratoga, USA this month.

Congratulations to the first Australian Team to compete in international competition!

Thank you!

I am writing to thank all the people who came together to get not 1 but 2 horses for two RDA competitors from WA & Qld to compete at the RDA Nationals at Werribee.

It is wonderful that people are prepared to lend their higher level horses for competition.

It is wonderful to see that the ORCA website forum works so well, and that people do read and answer the posts.

Look what wonderful things we've done!

~ Colleen

As our showjumpers here know, we have all 'adopted' the young Swiss Champion, Deborah Lazzarotto and her family!

Deborah is an inspiring example to us all of professionalism and true success at such an incredibly young age.

This weekend, Deborah is off to Germany to compete ...we received a lovely letter from Deborah as she is packing for her trip.

You go get them girl!  

Have a look at Deborah's letter  click here

Ceduna, SA

Our greatest Mentor yet.  WOW!!!  What an awesome weekend.  Colleen came to little old Ceduna. 

A small country town in the middle of now where 800klms west of Adelaide.  It was the best weekend.  Riders travelled up to 400klms just for lessons and it was worth every bit.

We laughed a lot, learnt more than we could have expected.  Even had the kids begging for more lessons.  She created more than a miracle on our riding,  she even left us with rain (something we haven't seen for a while).

So many thank you's Colleen.  Words are not enough to describe the inspiration you have given us all.  You were not only a fantastic instructor but a beautiful person.

All the gang from Ceduna. 

Eyre Peninsula Equestrian Association

Hi Colleen and the guys down in VIC.

As the National Vaulting Chairman of the EFA, it is great to see that vaulting is starting up in Victoria again.

Good on you Colleen. If anybody wants any help or info please feel free to get in touch.  ... good on you Vic, lets see some vaulters at the 2005 Nationals?

Regards

Darryn Fedrick
National Vaulting Chairman of the EFA

Congratulations Asher Jackson -

Makes the Victorian State Dressage Squad

One weekend, a long time ago now, I donated my time to a local pony club, and of all the many riders there, this one little girl and her father came up to speak to me afterwards...but, I cannot tell you how many times people come to me after clinics or lectures and say "I really want to make it to the top". 

Most of them want this 'dream ride', the 'easy way' to the top, thinking that the Olympic Games is simply there for the taking.  Well, Asher was different.  I remember clearly what she asked me...and I knew she was different. 

Her question was:  "what WORK  would I have to put in to make it?"

Now, her success speaks for itself!  Asher comes from a family of riders...her  father Jeff played polo and loves the 'wild' sports, and recently was highly successful competing in an Australian Bush Race - a wild sport really only in Australia, where they literally race through the bush, downhill, uphill, over jumps, flat out.  It's nuts...but boy it's FUN!!! 

Asher's Mum, Michelle, is the absolute epitome of what I am NOT ! Their beautifully decorated home and her elegant style goes through into her famous dinner parties.   Michelle remains my hero as I am quite famous for being the world's WORST cook.

Asher just shows what hard work can do.  Those of you running around thinking I WISH I COULD MAKE IT...should remember how Asher made it...by asking the hard question:  what WORK do I have to put in, and am I prepared to go that 'extra mile'.   Asher certainly has, and is a true role model for us all. 

Congratulations - Jessica Mansas
Makes the Victorian State Dressage Squad

I am a great believer that if you want to succeed, if you want to gain something, then you have to GIVE FIRST!  It really is surprising what happens when you donate your time to help people out...Some years ago, I donated a lecture to the Ringwood Pony Club in Eastern Victoria.  And, to encourage riders to try even harder, I also donated a "most improved" rider and horse competition, and the prizes were a free weekend horse riding/education & fun camp at my home.

Several riders came from the club, and we had a wonderful weekend.   Meanwhile, little Jessica (she towers over me now!) came to see her friends ride, and that's where we first met.  Jessica ended up staying and riding at the camp, and well, I guess she never left!

The Mansas family soon turned into my 'house family' with Dad Stan helping on all things 'farmy' like broken water pumps, fences, stranded horses needing lifts, and constantly fixing my car.  Meanwhile, we all would have starved to death at our camps if it wasn't for Jessica's Mum Maureen!  My cooking really is the joke of the horse riding set, but even my dearest Jessica eats my soup and pretends its OK...what a champ!

When we met, Jessica had already won Melbourne Royal Handymount Champion, a speed, agility and jumping competition testing every part of the rider and horse's skill.  Now, some years later, Jessica has developed into an elegant and sophisticated young lady, with many Championships to her name.

Jessica is the first to put her hand up to help our little children ride, and the kids absolutely adore her.  With her new selection of warmbloods, the sky is the limit for our Jessica, and I am proud to be a part of her extended family!

Congratulations Katherine Mansas
Makes the Victorian State Dressage Squad

I once described Katherine to the Head Rider of the Royal School as "the girl always heading to the washing machine with dirty bandages".  Katherine is one of the hardest working people I know, and at the end of the day when everyone else has gone off to rest...Katherine is there till the end helping with everything.

She juggles competing her University Studies, competing and riding on the State Squad, a wonderful social life with her friends and still being part of one of the loveliest extended families I know.

Katherine is so popular it wasn't long before a pony club snapped her up as a teacher.  Literally the moment she turned 18, they were begging her to teach the young riders.

This is the 3rd year in a row that Katherine has been accepted on the State Squad.  After many years of successfully showing, Katherine purchased the beautiful thoroughbred "Nate".  

It would seem that Nate and Katherine were always destined to be together, and in so many ways Katherine's beauty and elegance reminds me of my pupil Rebecca, Nate's original owner.

Something special will become of this bond between Nate and Katherine in the future, and I know that our Rebecca is looking down from a special place in heaven helping, guiding and watching over them both.

See the letter & tips I wrote to
Katherine here