Born and raised in Santa Barbara with a family that included dogs, cats, and canaries, Kelly’s passion for horses began with visits to Don and Shirley’s Pony Rides every Sunday at Cabrillo Beach. At age 6 she received her first pony, Pancho, along with a pair of Western boots and sterling silver Calvary spurs. With a growing stable of animals to care for including horses, pygmy goats, and a lamb, she would train every afternoon at the Modoc Riding Ring and explore the trails throughout Hope Ranch. A cowgirl at heart, Kelly also trained in target and trap shooting, where she competed on the California Trap Circuit.
Kelly’s compassionate nature was fostered through volunteer programs working with people with disabilities teaching reading, crafts, and horseback riding. After graduating from UCSB, she began her professional development career at local non-profits, serving in executive roles in the arts and culture and health and human services. In 2014, Kelly joined the team at Mission Equine Associates bringing an empathetic understanding and caring attention to detail to serving the needs of each staff member, client, and patient.
Kelly and her husband Tom, live in Santa Barbara with their border collie, Stirling. In her spare time, Kelly trains and competes in agility and scent work, and teaches dog sports, obedience, and clicker training. She continues her community-wide volunteer activities, serving on the Board of Directors of several non-profits.
