This is it. The start of us showing appreciation and recognition for the Unsung Heroes in the Equine Industry. We are incredibly proud to be launching a special feature that recognises some of the truly brilliant people from across the grassroots community that are really special to those nominating them.

This is a very sincere and personal feature. We’ve never done one like this. There is no right or wrong, this feature is simply about nominating someone that is special to you because of the impact they have had or continue to have in your equestrian life or career. This is about someone that has been unwavering in their support of you, that believed in you when maybe, you didn’t believe in yourself.

This is about those that were or are there for you and your horse. It’s about people that don’t get recognised for the work they do or the impact they have on a particular discipline or maybe even in a particular location.

We are starting with the powerhouse Katie Kiely aka @KKEventing who won the Inspiration Award at The Grassroots Gala last year but that IS NOT why Katie is our first Unsung Hero.

Katie has been nominated by the wonderful Laura Sinnott aka @Equimurphy. As you read the answers, you can feel the real connection and bond but you can also see how far Katie goes to support her clients, students and horses.

So lets kick off our first ever Unsung Heroes Special Feature show appreciation for the one and only Katie Kiely.

Who is your equestrian Unsung Hero, and how did you meet them?

I met Katie through Instagram even though she was originally based in a yard only down the road from me. I remember her for her honest stories and every day shenanigans with the horse but most of all I admired her for how much she loved her horses and wasn’t afraid to show it.

Why are they your Unsung Hero?

Katie Kiely is my unsung hero because she works so hard, and puts so much into her business, her horses and her clients horses. She only wants the very best for everyone. She is a force to be reckoned with a pure powerhouse that never looks for recognition for her hard work. She goes through hell and back and still comes out stronger every time.

What do you think is the most significant lesson Katie has taught you, and how has it impacted your life?

Katie does not judge! Any fear or concern is valid, and no question is ever seen as stupid! She inspires you to be completely yourself and to never let someone else’s opinion have an impact on your own life.

Can you share a story about a time when Katie went above and beyond to support you or your horse(s)? What did they do, and how did it affect you?

Riley went to Katie for some big boy event prep training, little did we know the journey that was about to happen! First off Riley was severely underweight when he got to Katies, and she put her blood sweat and tears into helping him look like the big juicy boy he is now. Secondly, when Riley was diagnosed with a sacroiliac strain, she checked up on me every day to see how I was, invited me up to go through the whole process and allowed me to ask any question I wanted the answer to. When she rang me the morning of Riley’s vet visit when he went to get his sacroiliac injected to tell me that they had found kissing spine I felt my world had fallen apart and that my hopes of a season were truly over. Katie put me back together once again making sure I was ok and that all my questions were answered. Katie has lived and breathed Rileys rehab turning him into the best horse that I am the proudest person in the whole wide world to call mine.

How has your Katie helped you overcome challenges or obstacles in your riding or horsemanship journey?

After my accident where I got kicked by a horse I lost a significant amount of confidence, Katie has helped me to understand that all my fears are valid and can be and will be overcome.

What’s the most important advice your Katie has given you?

That anything is possible once you put your mind to it. No goal is to big, if you can dream it you can achieve it.

How has Katie supported you and Riley in pursuing your equestrian goals, and what impact has it had on your journey?

Katie has helped me understand that it is ok to be scared after an accident to do the smallest of tasks and that that does not make you a weak person but rather makes you stronger for being able to admit it. She doesn’t force you to work through your fears like some coaches who tell you to get on with it.

What do you think sets Katie apart from other equestrian coaches, trainers, or mentors?

Katie is truly herself, there is no fakeness with her, and the horse always comes first over any money. She isn’t afraid to show she cares for the animal. Even though she is a top class rider, one of the best in the country at her job she has no problem admitting that sometimes she loses her confidence too, that she is a human being.

Describe Katie in 3 words?

How has Katie helped you build confidence in yourself and your riding abilities?

Katie complements you on the smallest things you do right and doesn’t just wait until you can do all the fancy stuff before telling you that you’ve done a good job.

What impact has Katie had on your relationships with horses, and how has it changed your perspective on horsemanship?

Katie has taught me a lot about body work and the importance of physios and correct treatment with correct rehab and not rushing the process as it leaves you with a healthier happier horse in the long run.

What would you like to say to your Unsung Hero if they were reading this interview right now?

THANK YOU!!! from the very bottom of my heart for everything you have done for me and Riley in our journey so far and not only being a coach but a friend.