Tucked in a valley deep in the California Bay Area’s equestrian hub, Kelly Maddox has built a successful training business on philosophies of teamwork, adaptability, and kindness toward the horse.

While growing up against a backdrop of ever-changing cities and places to call home, the future A-circuit trainer and rider found consistency in her passion for horses. Her family moved often due to her father's career, and when Maddox spotted her first pony in Japan at the age of seven, there was no turning back. From then on, horses were a singular focus.

Maddox trained with a host of top professionals before going pro herself. For the last 8 years, she has been based at Shiloh Ranch in the San Francisco suburb of Castro Valley, where she leads a team of enthusiastic students and staff who all work toward reaching their own equestrian goals while becoming better horsemen. With an entry level riding program, a series of schooling shows put together by her team, and an A-circuit schedule, Kelly Maddox still does a lot of moving around –  from competition to competition. 

ProEquest: Describe your childhood – what was the most unique part of it?
Kelly Maddox: My father was in the shipping industry, so, as a young person, we moved every two to three years. I was born in Moraga, California, and have lived in Japan, Taiwan, Illinois, Toronto, and Orange County in Southern California.

PE: When did you begin riding, and how long did it take before you knew you were “serious” about the sport?
KM: I first sat on a horse when I was 7. At that time, we were living in Japan. I remember the excitement I felt just to be near these large animals...amazing. At the age of 7, the horses seemed so big! Recently, my mom found pictures of those horses and I realized they were only about 14.2 hands or so. That shows you the perception of a 7 yr old...made me chuckle. I have been addicted and serious ever since!

PE: What did that lifestyle, of moving so frequently with your family teach you?
KM: First and foremost, I have learned how to adapt in various social situations. When you move to a new school every two years or so, you have to work at making new friends and fitting in...it was scary for me when I was younger, and I was very shy. Secondly, I learned the importance of taking time to understand a new culture and to respect the way they do things differently than we do in the U.S.

PE: How do you apply the knowledge from those early experiences to your business today?
KM: As far as my first riding experience, I know how to help parents understand that a 7 yr old’s perception of the horse they are riding is very different than an adult’s. Large horses (even 14.2 hand horses) can seem very scary.

In regards to my moving around, I feel that I am very adaptable in many situations and can typically find something in common with most people. We are not only in the horse business, but we are in the people business too.

Maddox with students at Woodside, Northern Ca

PE: On to your adult life – you’re now a well-established trainer in the Bay Area. When you think back to when you were just starting out, is there anything you would do-over if you could?
KM: I would not change anything that I have done. I have learned many lessons along the way and continue to work hard to be the best trainer I can be for my horses and clients. I have truly enjoyed the process of developing my business. Currently, I am enjoying all my wonderful horses, along with the very down-to-earth group of clients I have. I feel very fortunate!

PE: What’s the environment like at your barn today? It seems like you’ve got a pretty healthy program!
KM: Thank you! I believe having a successful business starts with having a great group of people that you work with. My assistants, Amanda de la Rosa and Alison Potter, along with my grooms, Guillermo and Paco, are a critical part of creating a business that promotes happy horses and clients.

In addition, we encourage a positive environment by supporting our fellow riders. Our juniors are taught the great responsibility of being role models to their younger riders. Everyone supports each other in a positive way. I love the energy at our barn and it means a great deal when riders from other barns say, "you have such kind young riders...everyone is so down-to-earth". This is what I have always wanted, as we are all on the same team...Team KMT!

Showing at Pebble Beach, Northern California

PE: What was the number one reason why you chose to be based at Shiloh West?
KM: The owners are fantastic and always willing to listen and make changes to continue to improve the facility. We have two large indoor arenas and two outdoors. The owners put in beautiful new footing in all of the arenas...the horses love it!

PE: You’ve said your goal is the teach riders how to think for themselves. What’s your philosophy for training the horses?
KM: Clear Communication! I want my horses to love their jobs and for a horse to love his job, he needs to clearly understand what we are communicating. When riders lose their tempers it is typically because the horse doesn't understand what we are communicating and the rider gets frustrated. So, I say, simplify it. I love it when my horses are happy doing the work we ask them to do.

PE: What’s new and exciting around the barn? Have you had a busy year?
KM: We just started an IEA Team (Interscholastic Equestrian Team). Amanda manages the team and is super excited about the additional experience our young riders will be getting. Amanda rode on her college team and had a great experience.

Alison Potter has been working tirelessly on our KMT Tri-Valley Classic Schooling Shows. We had our Medal Finals Show this year at Robertson Park in Livermore. Alison has worked with many vendors to bring together unbelievable prizes! Not only does the show give out $20 gift certificates donated by Western Saddlery, but she had a cooler donated by County Saddlery, show pads from Voltaire and many other fun prizes...so exciting!