Testimonials

About Holly, Jennifer & Copper

Holly and Jennifer met in 1999 when Holly worked at Normandy Farms and Stables in Littleton, Colorado as a riding instructor. Jennifer began taking Hunter Jumper lessons as a beginner under Holly's guidance. At the time, a then 2 1/2 year old off-the-track Thoroughbred came into their lives. His name was Copper Britches. Although very young and maybe not the most obvious match for a beginner, this special horse formed a strong bond with Jennifer. After learning he didn't have a mean bone in his body, the Kelley family decided to purchase Copper as Jennifer's first horse. A deal was made that the horse would undergo a year long training session in Fort Collins where Holly was currently living while in school.

Over the next seven years, Holly worked closely with Copper and Jennifer to refine the characteristics each would need to be successful in the show ring. Long lessons and some bruised backsides proved effective in building this partnership. Copper proved to be a great hunt horse. He was gentle, smooth over fences and had an undeniably sweet personality. He was in the Kelley family to stay.

As Jennifer progressed with her riding, she excelled in the A Circuit show ring aboard Copper, raking in the ribbons. The two have proven that hard work really does pay off. Jennifer is currently studying at Colorado College where she gets to enjoy riding Copper often.

From Jennifer:

"My years training with Holly have given me so much more than confidence on the back of my horse. Her passion and knowledge of horses as thinking beings shines through in all that she does and her dedication to each individual she works with, horse and human and was a pleasure to experience. Training with Holly turned me into far more than a competent rider. She taught me how to read my horse's thoughts and emotions in order to function as his partner. Under Holly's tutelage, the relationship with my horse Copper was nourished into a remarkably strong bond that has blossomed for a decade and I know will last for life. Now every animal I work with I approach with the respect and knowledge Holly fostered in me as a young animal-crazy fourth grader.

After working with other accomplished trainers, Holly's patience and ability to work with green horses and riders has jumped out at me. There aren't many A-circuit trainers out there who would take the time and put in the effort required to turn an 'off the track' 2 year old and a novice 9 year old girl into a polished show jumping team, and I am so thankful that Holly took on such a challenge. Holly's resourcefulness and perseverance were imperative to developing such a green team as Copper and myself. She took what was present- Copper, myself, and not much else and shaped us into a cohesive unit of horsemanship. Each lesson began long before I got on Copper's back as Holly taught me how to care for and maintain my partner. Trust and horse husbandry are two of the lessons that greatly contributed to my identity as a horsewoman.

To this day I am amazed that Holly was able to train an inexperienced 9-year-old kid into a trainer of a green horse over the years. Holly had the insight to explain to me why I should do what she said so I could understand the purpose of my actions. So even though I grew up riding one horse, in later years I was able to translate my knowledge of riding to many different types of horses because I understood how my body and emotions affected each horse I rode. The lessons of perseverance, dedication and bonding that Holly imprinted upon me have shaped me into the person I am today. Holly revealed to me the horse's perspective on the world and to a horse person there is no greater gift. As I move toward a career as an equine vet I know the lessons and relationship I developed with Holly and Copper will only aid me as I strive to pass on the message of equine partnership and respect that Holly shared with me."
- Jennifer Kelley, Littleton, CO

From Cherie:

"My daughter started riding with Holly when she was about 8 years old and rode with her until she was about 10. I believe it was close to 3 years. She had a very special relationship with our daughter and the horses. She has an incredible range of knowledge when it comes to everything about horses from Western to English, nutrition, trailering, teaching, etc. She has a patience and grace I have not seen with many other trainers, however, she does not tolerate any nonsense in terms of behavior issues from the horses. She expects them to behave and have good manners for their trainer and rider. One thing I always admired about Holly was the time she would spend with her students when it was time for lessons. She would spend time with them before and after lessons, helping and teaching with whatever was relevant to that lesson or day or whatever the horse or rider needed to know at that moment. At shows when my daughter was young, we would see other trainers yelling or being very stern with their riders. Holly always had a calm, patient demeanor that went a lot further than yelling. Overall, Holly just has a way with horses and students. She has a passion for teaching and an obvious passion for horses and their well being. I would recommend her to anyone who wishes to either start riding as a beginner or who wants to further their knowledge about riding and/ or horses and their behavior. She also helped us with trailering issues with our horse and was a natural with knowing what to do to get him in the trailer with minimal frustration."
- Cherie Ogden, Littleton, CO

From Jennifer:

"For as long as I can remember, Holly has been out in the all weather - freezing winter and blazing hot summer - tending to horses, their stalls, their needs. While I stood there in the snow and wind wishing to be inside, she was there smiling, laughing, and totally in the moment with the task at hand. Her joy of riding translates down to her love of sharing that joy with those around her. Her nephews love coming to visit 'Aunt Holly' so they can be popped up onto a horse, and walked around the arena. I always feel they are safe with her, and that she will not only show them the beauty of the horse they are on, but will give them straight forward talk about how to act while up on the horse, how to ride, how to relax, and how to enjoy themselves."
- Jennifer McLean, New York, NY

From Christie:

"Watching Holly with her horse is an incredible example of the beauty one can have in the area of communication and connection with an animal. She is extremely inspiring and has a special talent with horses."
- Christie Lambert, Boulder, CO

From Linda:

"Holly has given inspiration to children and adults who are interested, or want to be interested in, riding skills, owning a horse, or almost any item related to horses. I have seen her often teaching students proper riding skills and also, first and foremost, proper care and consideration of the beast that will carry the rider, the horse.

Her love of animals is not limited to horses, but her main focus. Holly was dedicated to her study at CSU in equine science as her major, and rode in competition for many years during her association with CSU as a student. Her instructors and fellow team riders always gave Holly high marks as to her riding abilities, her personality, her involvement and dedication to the purpose, and her willingness to step up when necessary. The times I attended CSU riding competitions, her leaders and team mates would say to me what a pleasure she was to have on the riding team, that she was tremendously helpful, competitive in her skills, and supportive to others.

During the years that Holly has been involved with horses I have seen her face many challenges regarding the horse and its care and she has passed them all. From sleeping in barns all night to attend a birth of a foal, all the way to the presence of being at the side of an aging horse having to be put down due to health demise, she has never left the side of a horse in her care. That care was always her first assignment in teaching a student about riding; a healthy happy horse was the best way to start the riding day. Especially concerning the feet for rocks and thorns, and proper ways to end the day of riding with the bit of work it takes to do that step well.

Holly has helped many a young student learn to gain riding skills and confidence and I would put just about anyone with Holly for this reason. My granddaughter Katie loves her trips to the barn and adores Holly as she seats Katie on Bear and the two of them discover each other. Holly is very watchful and careful with those in her charge.

Holly has made equine friends that cross many ages, boundaries and years. Prior "barn friends" over time always remember her and ask about her when I see them, often hoping she is still working with horses and involved with that aspect of her life.

As her mother I could be biased, but I feel that my words are spoken with deep honesty. As a girl I had horses as well, and I think my love of the four legged, long mane animal was given to Holly somewhat through my influence and just plain luck. I inherited a small amount of money from my grandmother and bought Holly a horse when she was 12. And the journey began. Yes it was often a struggle to keep her on her horses financially, however it was a good incentive to keep her grades high and her focus on her goals. And they never changed; she wanted to own horses and help people learn to ride. And cleaning the barn, stacking hay, buying grain were always in the picture. It certainly was a good way to get rid of a bad mood, just muck the stalls for awhile! That is the way of life for the full-time horse owner and she learned this years ago. She also knows it is a constant state of learning and that one can always find some new lesson with the horse, as they are unique animals requiring unique handling skills."
- Linda Carpenter, Thronton, CO