Hey everyone! My name is Kelly Jones and I am excited to be a part of Equestrian Empire. I’m 21, and currently a senior in college, studying history. I am a native Ohioan, and even after all these years I am still getting used to Cleveland’s weather. For my junior year of college, I went to London, England and found love, so now I travel to England quite frequently to visit. My main steed is named Hendrix, who’s a sweet, grey gelding with a huge personality. I also ride my mom’s horse Santanna, who’s a sassy quarter horse mare.
Compared to most equestrians my age, I’m new to the horse world. While I have always found horses to be amazing and beautiful animals, I did not start riding until I was 15. Starting in the hunter world, I took many lessons, leased horses and joined my barn’s IEA team. The experience of riding and showing different horses really helped me to develop my skills and become a more confident rider. My mom also began to take lessons with me when I started riding and has gotten so much enjoyment from caring for and bonding with her horse. Because of this, I am a firm believer that no matter your age, anyone can be a part of the horse world and find happiness in caring for and working with horses. While in college, I am lucky enough to be able to trailer Hendrix to school with me, so both of us have gotten the college experience. Recently, I switched home barns and have entered into the world of eventing, which I find to be a rewarding experience.
While horses are a big part of my life, I do have other interests. Music is one of my favorite pastimes whether I’m listening to The Rolling Stones or Kendrick Lamar. I enjoy travelling, and I feel so fortunate that I got the opportunity to live in London for a year and see some of Europe while being abroad. I was even able to ride during my experience in England and picked up some new knowledge on the European style of riding. History is also one of my passions, and I am a member of the history honor society on my campus. I am in Kappa Epsilon Zeta, a sorority that’s unique to my college, so sisterhood and giving back to the community are large parts of my life. I’m excited to share my insights and opinions on both equestrian news and world news and hope you all enjoy!
