Cellar Door Farm

When I walked into Cellar Door Farm 2 years ago, I knew immediately I had found my place. She has transformed me as a rider beyond my wildest dreams. In lessons, she is extremely attentive, giving detailed instruction the whole time through.The care for the horses is impeccable. Her mind is an encyclopedia of horse data. She prioritizes the health of the horses over everything, something you cannot find anywhere else. The proof is in the pudding.

Almost 2 years ago we moved into Bell Canyon with hopes that the in neighborhood equestrian center would have a place for my daughter to take riding lessons. Little did I know that we were discovering an amazing hidden gem! Kelly and her team have literally changed our lives. I could write paragraphs about her incredible dedication, attention to detail, deep love of her horses and overall horsemanship and professionalism. I’ve watched Kelly spend countless hours finding each of her clients the absolutely perfect horse for them. I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams the horse that she found for us. She has worked so hard with him and it’s been so rewarding seeing him blossom under her! Kelly is not one of those trainers who sits on the side barking orders, she rides and trains her horses constantly. She loves each horse like her own. We travel often and knowing my horse is with her is the greatest gift. In addition to being an incredible teacher, you can tell the quality of her barn by seeing her happy and healthy horses, by interacting with her amazing team (we adore her assistant!) and getting to know her clients. They are the kindest, most supportive bunch. I could ramble on for days but we’re profoundly grateful to have found Cellardoor and can’t wait to see what the future brings!

There are not enough stars to properly praise Kelly and the team at CDF enough. When I brought my horse to her, he was atrophied, skittish, and overwhelmed due to lack of care at our previous barn. And now, it’s like I have a completely different horse. He’s strong, vibrant, healthy, HAPPY— most of all he is so happy— and he is coursing and jumping like I’ve never seen before. And that’s just speaking to Kelly’s skills as a horsewoman. As a trainer??? There isn’t enough room to sing her praises. Sometimes in this sport— especially as a woman of color— it’s hard to find acceptance or a non toxic environment. And Cellar Door Farm feels like home. Kelly trains with such skill and intelligence and never prescribes a "one size fits all" training method. She takes the time to learn how YOU think and YOU learn best, and makes sure she speaks that language. She makes you confident in your skills but also feel safe enough to be brave and try something that may seems scary. She never pressures you but never lets you doubt yourself. This is in no way an asked for or solicited review— I’m actually just on my way to a lesson right now and realized I’d never left a review about any of my barns before, but I SHOULD about CDF. Everyone needs to know how great Kelly is.

Kelly is an incredible rider, trainer, and horsewoman. She puts the horse's well-being before everything else and is truly committed to their health and happiness. She is exceptionally knowledgeable in all aspects of equine health and wellness; focusing on riding and training to work with a horse's natural way of going to improve their fitness and performance. She is a very skilled instructor. She is able to break down each rider's strengths and weaknesses and explain in detail what they need to do in order to better communicate with their horse. She has worked hard her entire life to get to where she is now and has created a top notch program that is supportive and effective. She continues to improve and update her facilities and equipment, giving her clients and their horses the very best that she can. There are few trainers that I would recommend to any type of rider with any type of horse, and Kelly is certainly one of them. I have been lucky enough to work with her, ride with her, learn from her, seek advice from her, and keep my horse with her, and in every situation she has far exceeded my expectations.

Kelly has been our riding coach for 3 years and I board my horse , Sundance , at Cellar Door Farm . She has created an ideal haven for our horses and since I met her 3 years ago , I have witnessed first hand how she has dedicated her life every single day to horses that are left in her care . Her expertise is not just limited to the riding skills, but she also has a vast knowledge on diet , nutrition , medical advances . I recommend Cellar Door farm to every rider and horse owner on every level.

Kelly Jennings is by far one of the most capable horse people I’ve ever met. I’ve been involved with some esteemed barns in Europe and Wellington, and it’s still so easy for me to say she knows, cares, and does more than any other trainer will for their clients/horses. Not to mention one of the most trustworthy people you will meet (and regardless of the fact that the horse world can otherwise be a total snake pit). The care is exceptional and your horse will be in great hands, performing, and snugglier/happier/more comfortable than anywhere else.

I do not have enough good things to say about Kelly and Cellar Door Farm, and frankly, this review is long overdue. I rode with Kelly at her old location for many years while I was in high school and college and only ever had the best possible experience. Kelly is an amazing teacher, and pays attention to detail and safety beyond anyone I've ever met in the horse world. Due to an unrelated injury, I took a few years off riding, in which Kelly always remained a good and kind friend - but I recently came back and it's the best decision I've ever made. I got back into riding at the end of 2020 or early 2021, and ended up finding a horse I had a special connection to in a not so great situation. Within days of buying my horse, I moved over to Kelly's barn and she set to work getting him in shape and healthy. My horse wasn't in terrible shape, but he was not overly fit, had a stage-4 ulcer, shoes that were too small, general stiffness from being an older guy, etc. Kelly had her wonderful vet there within the week to scope for ulcers and get him on the right medication. She's made changes to his exercise regime and diet for the better, got him on the proper medications, and has had his feet done twice now. He's much less stiff now, his hooves are better, he's gained muscle, his coat is shinier, and the ulcers are gone. She has gone above and beyond in every way and the difference, even after only 6 weeks, is amazing. It's like night and day and my 22 year old horse looks 10 years younger. Not only has she completely transformed my horse for the better, but Kelly is making me a better rider, too. Her attention to detail is unparalleled, and she is helping me feel stronger and more confident in the saddle every day.