Kelly Smaltz  

Kelly Smaltz has been teaching lessons and training horses for over 25 years.  In 2007, she and her Hanoverian/ Thoroughbred cross, Handsel (Danny), earned their ESDCTA Silver Medal, and are the ESDCTA First Level Champions, LVDA Recognized Show First Level Champions, and Second Level Reserve Champions.  She and Danny competed at Region 1 GAIG Dressage Championships in the First Level Open Division.  Kelly is currently a candidate in the USDF “L” Education Program.

Kelly has been showing horses and ponies since she was 8 years old and has successfully competed in Dressage, Eventing, 4-H, Hunter/ Jumpers, and Vaulting. Complimentary to her knowledge of horses and riding is her BS degree in Elementary Education. Her 12 years of classroom experience has provided her with expertise in teaching and learning styles. Kelly gained her foundation in riding through her 10 years of training under Sue Hughes, the current Region II Director for the USDF.

While in College she was a Working Student of Maryal Barnett, an FEI rider and judge. Under Ms. Barrnett’s apprenticeship, Kelly had the opportunity to learn the techniques to train horses in classical Dressage. To further Kelly’s expertise in riding and teaching, she has participated in Sally Swift’s (author of Centered Riding) 3 day Centered Riding Instructor Clinic. Kelly has also trained in various other clinics including: Mike Huber, Pan Am Games Gold Medalist in Eventing; Susan Harris, Author of Grooming to Win; and Sally O’Connor, founder of Potomac Valley Dressage Association and author of over 6 equestrian books.

At 15 Kelly bought her first horse, Jeremiah. Together they were Jr. Novice Champions for the Michigan Combined Training Association (MCTA). A year latter, they were the sole Jr. members on the MCTA team competing at the ESDCTA Event at Gladstone. The following year they achieved the MCTA Jr. Training Level Reserve Champion. “Dressage and Eventing were my passions from the beginning” says Kelly. At the age of 18, she trained her first green horse a 3 year old Percheron/ Thoroughbred cross -- Portrait by Degas. “Working with a young horse opened my eyes to the joys of training.” Portrait went on to compete successfully in both Dressage and Eventing with her owner.

In 2008 Kelly looks forward to competing at Second and Third Level, completing the USDF “L” Education Program and coaching the Twin Lake Acres Show Team.