“At the warm up ring”, by Monica Acee

Dylan, a Registered Irish Sport Horse, 16.3, Grey Gelding,  was chosen and imported by Kelly from Ireland with the help of Irish trainer John Brennan.

After several successful years competing to the A/O jumper division, Dylan was sold to a gentleman from the midwest to compete in a smaller division.  After a few years he suddenly reappeared, purchased by a friend at auction in Massachusetts, who didn’t recognize he was Kelly’s old horse.  In his travels, Dylan developed a hind leg with lymphangitis. It was lucky day for sweet Dylan (due to the swollen hind leg) as he could easily have gone onto another trailer heading to a miserable destination. Happy and safe again, he was eventually outgrown by his new beginner adult rider.  Trainer Mark Jungherr called and offered Dylan back to Kelly as requested and then drove the very next morning to bring him home and here he will remain, for always.

We are so glad he found his way home. Another thing that found it’s way home was a special work of art.  Dylan, while showing with Kelly at Saratoga, was the subject of a beautiful painting done by renowned equine artist, Monica Acee. The painting below graced the cover of The Chronicle of the Horse at one point. and the original was recently purchased by Kelly and hangs in her home today.

PJ, a 14.3  black gelding named after Popov, Kelly’s old Grand Prix horse, for looking and behaving quite a lot like him….just a hand smaller!  PJ was “plucked” from a field and began his career just like that because of his looks, bravery and mellow personality.  He is serious and doesn’t like to be coddled in his stall (he’ll let you know with grumpy faces and pinned ears), but outside of his stall will take any and all attention he can get.  He is a brave, fun ride.

Loves: Neck scratches, wither scratches, bum scratches…pretty much everywhere is fair game.

Dreams about: Lead changes….sigh.

BFF: Jamie (the horse)

Tinkerbell, Pony of the America’s, 13.1 Pinto/Roan.

I thank God every day for Tinkerbell and for the temper tantrums of 6 year old children. Had it not been for the tantrum of a friend’s grandchild, Tinkerbell would probably still be with them.  She is so many things but most of all, she is an angel pony who we are incredibly blessed to care for, learn from and love.

Quote: At a horse show years ago, a Liberty Hill rider in the lead line was asked by the judge, “Is this your pony?” Without pause Kelsey replied, “No, she’s everybody’s pony.”

She truly does belong to all of the children who have loved her and learned from her.

On the left, Tink puts up with quite a lot including being painted in a rainbow zebra pattern at summer sessions. On the right, Tink is enjoying a carrot.

Tutti, a Shetland Welsh Cross, 12.1, Strawberry Roan Mare came to Liberty Hill Farm from Rhode Island. She was the year end Short Stirrup Champion and we bought her when she was 10 years old. She is still enjoys her duties teaching our very smallest riders.

Famous for: A sofa like comfy trot and the sassiest mane you ever did see.

Favorite activity: Eating.

Dislikes: grazing muzzle.

BFF: Dylan

Nicole & Jamie returning from a trail ride.

Jamie, an Appendix Quarter Horse, 16.0 Strawberry Roan Gelding started his career in the eventing world where he learned to be as brave as brave could be!  He is a fabulous teacher and would quite possibly jump through fire if we asked him to.

Glennridge (Glenn) is a sweet, loveable, pocket pony type personality. A 16.1 hand Brandenburger gelding, he’s a schoolmaster with a successful show jumping record. He belongs to Stephen, who is kind enough to share him with our more advanced riders.

And Glenn’s BFF is Tutti.