April Rider of the Month: Kelly Hambidge

This month, The Stables at Magnolia Ridge is excited to shine the spotlight on Kelly Hambidge as our April Rider of the Month. Kelly’s dedication to her craft, her deep bond with her horse, Fantine, and her commitment to continual improvement make her a standout member of our community. We caught up with Kelly to learn more about her journey in the equestrian world, her beloved Friesian, and what keeps her motivated both in and out of the arena.

Kelly’s riding journey began when she was just 10 years old. She started with Western riding, and after about a year, she got her first horse, Penny. The bond between them grew over the next 28 years, with Kelly actively involved in 4-H, showing at fairs, and spending plenty of time galloping through the woods and gravel pits. Although Kelly never took a break from riding, it wasn’t until she was an adult, around 15 years ago, that she made the transition into Dressage. This shift marked the beginning of a new chapter in her equestrian career.

Kelly’s journey wouldn’t be complete without mentioning her horse, Fantine. “Everyone knows Fantine better than they know me!” she laughs as she speaks of her Friesian mare. Fantine is well-known in the Dressage world, and Kelly often jokes that when she introduces herself, she says, “I have a Friesian named Fantine,” to which people immediately respond, "Oh, I know Fantine!" Kelly describes her horse as having a “heart of gold.” Despite both of them being newcomers to Dressage, Fantine’s willingness to work with Kelly has led them to significant accomplishments together.

Kelly first met Fantine when the mare was just 6 months old. It was a memorable encounter. “She didn’t give me the time of day until I was leaving, and then she ran up to me across several acres and whinnied directly into my face,” Kelly recalls. From that moment, their bond was formed. Kelly officially bought Fantine when she was 11 months old, and they spent the next few years growing together. Fantine is now 16 years old, and Kelly is the only person who has ever worked with and ridden her. When asked about her favorite thing about Fantine, Kelly simply says, “Everything.” She admires Fantine’s incredible work ethic, her heart, and how much they have achieved together, despite starting with a blank slate.

As for Fantine’s personality, she’s known for her grace in the arena, but she’s also got her quirky side. When Fantine is irritated, she gives Kelly a distinctive deadpan glare, often accompanied by a curled nostril. Fortunately, neck scratches are the perfect remedy to clear up any irritation. When it comes to treats, Fantine has a unique preference for Fisher Scones and black licorice—certainly not your typical horse snacks!

Kelly cherishes every moment with Fantine, but she has a few memories that stand out. “For me, every moment with Fantine is special,” she shares. Fantine has a way of making everything feel right, especially on challenging days. Whether they’re in the arena or out on a trail, Fantine always knows how to lift Kelly’s spirits, making their time together a true "respite from life."

Together, Kelly and Fantine have achieved remarkable milestones, including earning their USDF Silver Medal. While this was an incredible accomplishment, Kelly reflects that their Bronze Medal holds even more significance. The competition moments they share, especially the fun memories like clearing warm-up arenas, are the ones Kelly cherishes most.

Currently, Kelly is focused on “undoing all of my bad habits!” Despite their close connection, she acknowledges that sometimes the subtleties in their communication can get muddled. At the moment, Kelly is breaking down the basics to improve her connection with Fantine, and she’s amazed at how quickly her horse responds when she’s on the right track. Kelly finds the process both challenging and incredibly rewarding, as it continues to strengthen their bond.

Being part of The Stables at Magnolia Ridge has been a rewarding experience for Kelly. She appreciates the diverse group of people that make up the community. “We have a lot of different walks of life, passions, goals, and skill sets all in one!” she explains. This diversity has fostered a supportive, kind, and encouraging atmosphere, making the facility a special place for riders of all levels.

Kelly is also grateful for the recent arrival of Lauren and her training group. “It had been a few years since being in a training program with anyone I really clicked with,” she says. Lauren’s compassionate approach to horses, combined with her keen eye for detail, has made a significant impact on Kelly’s progress. She also fondly remembers her original trainer, Leigh Cochran, whose influence continues to resonate with her.

For Kelly, the relationship between horse and rider is a true privilege. “They don’t HAVE to let us do this,” she reflects. “It’s a privilege to share time and space with them.” Her respect for Fantine is evident in her dedication to always do her best by her horse.

Kelly’s advice to other riders is simple yet powerful: “Listen to your horse.” She believes that by tuning into a horse’s needs and cues, riders can build a deeper, more meaningful connection. Kelly emphasizes that every rider is doing their best for their horses, and understanding the horse’s perspective is key to success.

Kelly’s unwavering dedication to her horse, her focus on continual improvement, and her positive attitude make her a true inspiration to all of us at The Stables at Magnolia Ridge. We are incredibly proud to have Kelly and Fantine as part of our community and look forward to seeing all that they will continue to accomplish together.

Congratulations, Kelly, on being our April Rider of the Month!