Cellar Door Farm, Lake View Terrace CA

There are not enough stars to properly praise Kelly and the team at CDF enough. When I brought my horse to her, he was atrophied, skittish, and overwhelmed due to lack of care at our previous barn. And now, it’s like I have a completely different horse. He’s strong, vibrant, healthy, HAPPY— most of all he is so happy— and he is coursing and jumping like I’ve never seen before. And that’s just speaking to Kelly’s skills as a horsewoman. As a trainer? There isn’t enough room to sing her praises. Sometimes in this sport— especially as a woman of color— it’s hard to find acceptance or a non toxic environment. And Cellar Door Farm feels like home. Kelly trains with such skill and intelligence and never prescribes a “one size fits all” training method. She takes the time to learn how YOU think and YOU learn best, and makes sure she speaks that language. She makes you confident in your skills but also feel safe enough to be brave and try something that may seems scary. She never pressures you but never lets you doubt yourself. This is in no way an asked for or solicited review— I’m actually just on my way to a lesson right now and realized I’d never left a review about any of my barns before, but I SHOULD about CDF. Everyone needs to know how great Kelly is.

The only wonderful horsewoman I have yet to find in the west coast. She knows her horses. And better for me, I have found a trainer who takes my lesson time seriously and works through my body’s limitations to bring out the best in me. After many years together, as well as challenges on my end, I know what an excellent place this is and I would be lost without cellar door and my gorgeous and fancy hunter.

If I could give 10 stars I would. Kelly is a true horsewoman. She cares for the horses more than she does anything else. I have come so far under her tutelage and i learn something new in every lesson. I love her teaching style - she never berates you or makes you feel stupid. It's always a learning experience. Kelly understands that some of us amateurs don't know what we don't know and she has the patience of Job. 10/10 recommend her barn.

I do not have enough good things to say about Kelly and Cellar Door Farm, and frankly, this review is long overdue. I rode with Kelly at her old location for many years while I was in high school and college and only ever had the best possible experience. Kelly is an amazing teacher, and pays attention to detail and safety beyond anyone I've ever met in the horse world.

Due to an unrelated injury, I took a few years off riding, in which Kelly always remained a good and kind friend - but I recently came back and it's the best decision I've ever made.

I got back into riding at the end of 2020 or early 2021, and ended up finding a horse I had a special connection to in a not so great situation. Within days of buying my horse, I moved over to Kelly's barn and she set to work getting him in shape and healthy. My horse wasn't in terrible shape, but he was not overly fit, had a stage-4 ulcer, shoes that were too small, general stiffness from being an older guy, etc. Kelly had her wonderful vet there within the week to scope for ulcers and get him on the right medication. She's made changes to his exercise regime and diet for the better, got him on the proper medications, and has had his feet done twice now. He's much less stiff now, his hooves are better, he's gained muscle, his coat is shinier, and the ulcers are gone. She has gone above and beyond in every way and the difference, even after only 6 weeks, is amazing. It's like night and day and my 22 year old horse looks 10 years younger.

Not only has she completely transformed my horse for the better, but Kelly is making me a better rider, too. Her attention to detail is unparalleled, and she is helping me feel stronger and more confident in the saddle every day.