Welcome Wild Sisters!
When I started Wild Horsemanship, I knew I wanted it to be more than just a business—it had to be a way to give back and uplift the incredible women who make up the heart of the horse community.
That’s why I’m so proud to introduce the Wild Women Sisterhood—an initiative that offers horsemanship coaching and heartfelt support to one Wild Woman who I see as a sister. 💛 This isn’t just about improving horsemanship; it’s about celebrating the strength, resilience, and wild spirit that women bring to their journey with horses and life.
I’m super excited to share that this year’s Wild Sister is my incredible friend Kellie, a woman whose authenticity, passion, and spirit truely inspire me every single day. Kellie embodies what it means to be Wild, and I can’t wait to support her as she continues to grow and thrive.
“Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world, simply by being there for each other.”—Carol Saline
I am very proud and honoured to introduce Kel to you all. Below is the transcript from one of recent chats: Tell us about you and your life with horses so far.
I just want to ride.
I can’t remember life without horses, I believe they were always a part of me. My sister had an old grey mare, Connie, when I was 5. I remember my first ride on her and spending hours watching her grazing from the fence line. Mum told me I wasn’t allowed to go and see Connie one morning. She had died over night. After that we moved into town and I begged for a horse. If I got a job and helped at Riding For The Disable for a year, they would consider it. At 13 I got my very own horse, a palomino pony, Summer. I cringe now when I think of what that poor pony put up with- A keen young girl with no knowledge who was told, ‘make her do what you want, kick her to go, pull her to stop, it’s just a horse’.
I walked home from a lot of our rides because she would tip me off and make her way back to the paddock alone. Ten years later I had my own farm and was ready to get another horse. I knew now there was another way. Parrelli was popular and I got hooked. I read, watched and attended anything Pat suggested. Tom Dorrance, Monty Roberts and any other person that mentioned natural horsemanship pricked my curiosity. Jazzy and Fleet patiently put up with my attempts at working it out. Then along came Little Wings and all I thought I knew didn’t work for her. And low and behold I found a new level of horsemanship in Warrick Schiller teachings. I cried when I first heard him speak. I felt another cringe moment, realising there was still so much to learn. I don’t follow one system or one trainer. However, I am inspired by Kate Young, Jane Pike, Brett Parbery, Lockie Philips, Heidi Hook and even those that I don’t agree with inspire me to keep moving forward. If I see something I like I try it. I am constantly on the lookout for new ideas, new information and inspiration. Surrounding myself with likeminded horse men and women who want to build each other up and help each other out is my dream. Horses are in me, the smell of them is my medicine, the sight of them stirs my heart and riding them is my soul’s joy. I never want to know my last ride.
Introduce everyone to your gorgeous horses Kel
I have 3 mares, Jazz, Fleet and Little Wings.
Jazz is a 23 year old appaloosa cross thoroughbred. She is my winky wonky pony. She found me at a horse sale when she was 12 months old. With $50 in my pocket, I was hers. I thought what could possibly go wrong. I decided to experiment and see if I could start her. It took us 6 years to gain the confidence to trust each other for our first ride out. But from there she has been patient enough to teach my 4 children to ride and given many more non riders their first time on a horse. She is fun, she is gentle, and she still carries me on short rides around the bush.
Jazz is Fleets mum. I wanted to have a horse from a foal and decided since Jazz was so quiet, I would try imprinting her foal. What could possibly go wrong. I was with Jazz as Fleet was born. Fleet is a giant 16 + hand, 12 year old Chestnut who is currently Pregnant with my 3rd generation. She is my true heart horse. Our connection is special beyond words. She has never put a foot wrong, carrying me for thousands of kilometres on mustering, pack saddle trips and adventures we never planned and wondering how we survived when she got me safely home. She got her mums gentle patience with a little bit more get up and go. I have been so blessed to have been gifted such a beautiful horse.
Little Wings, my spicy wing ding, found me one morning at Kate’s place. As soon as I saw her, I felt something. She came home with me that very day. She bonded with Fleet instantly and we have had a journey of discovery since. Wings had a very traumatic start to life, being starved to near death (before she found her way to Kate’s). Because of this I have had to learn a whole different way with horses. She has pushed me and pulled me into another reality. Wings is a 6 year old,13 + hand brick. She is strong in body and mind. I remember getting her home and wondering, what have I done. But again, I thought, what can possibly go wrong. She fell into the job of being the best little pack horse, a hard worker and a fierce friend. I question her place in my life constantly but know when we work it out, magic will happen.
Where are you now with your horses?
I am waiting for the arrival of a new foal. So, we are currently all resting from our long rides. It is a beautiful opportunity to concentrate on improving my relationship with Little Wings and spending unconditional time with Jazz and Fleet. I am finding just hanging out with the girls, gives me the time to be present. They make it known when I get in my head and forget where I am.
What is your ethos when it comes to your horses?
I know we are all part of nature. We are not separate from it and therefore we are not separate from each other. What runs though me, runs though my horses. I have always felt that connection, but I didn’t understand it. My horses see me more than I see myself. I am learning to listen; I am learning to hear, and I am learning to see. They are my greatest teachers to reconnect to what is real.
What’s next for you and your horse?
I am practising to slow down. My horses are my part of my family, they are my friends. Each horse is teaching me something about my self as I learn more about them. I will continue to trail ride and pack saddle, always willing to be open to trying new things with consideration for what’s best for my girls.
Thank you Kel, for everything you give and all that you are. I love you!
