KELLY JENNINGS
OWNER | TRAINER

Kelly Jennings (Kelly Balk) is a USHJA certified horse trainer whose approach to horsemanship has been shaped by a lifetime of careful observation, thoughtful riding, and an unwavering commitment to understanding the horse.

Growing up in Maryland, Kelly began as a working student before finding her niche developing young, green, and challenging horses in the hunter, jumper, and eventing disciplines. Early on, she discovered that lasting progress comes not from forcing a horse into a program, but from learning to recognize each horse as an individual. That philosophy continues to guide her training today.

Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies from Centenary University where she combined studies in riding, training, and business management with an internship under veterinarian Dr. Michael Fugaro, DVM. That experience deepened her interest in equine biomechanics and reinforced a belief that correct movement is the foundation of both performance and long-term soundness.

After graduating in 2006, Kelly relocated to Los Angeles and spent a decade working with respected professionals including Ginny Plancke, Ilan Ferder, Erin Duffy, and Peter Lombardo. During that time she helped develop horses and riders competing successfully in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings, including World Cup competitor Tristan, USEF Horses of the Year Academy Award and Tache Rouge, and numerous riders qualifying for the ASPCA Maclay, WIHS, CPHA, and LAHJA Finals. She also had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from many of the sport's most respected horsemen, including Bill Cooney, Joe Fargis, Anne Kursinski, George Morris, Michael Page, and Holly Hugo-Vidal.

In 2016, Kelly founded Cellar Door Farm with a simple goal: to help horses and riders understand one another more clearly.

Her program combines classical horsemanship, biomechanics, individualized nutrition, and thoughtful management into a system designed to develop confident riders, willing horses, and partnerships built to last. Whether preparing for a championship or working through a training challenge at home, Kelly believes the answer is almost always found by paying closer attention, communicating more clearly, and making the next ride significantly better than the last.