Kelley Shetter-Ruiz
Over 20 years of training experience
My love for horses started at the young age of twelve and later I turned that passion into a career. I graduated from the University of Findlay with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Equestrian Studies and Equine Business Management. Out of college, I began working at a Trakehner breeding farm in Elgin, IL where I had the opportunity to start young horses under saddle and go on to handle all aspects of training. I then discovered my passion for teaching and helping riders better connect with their horse. I became a yoga enthusiast, which has allowed me to help my riders develop stronger body alignment and awareness and learn how it effects their riding connection. With more than 20 years of experience teaching and training, my strong dressage focus allows me to work with a variety of disciplines.
A Passion for Training
My passion truly lies in teaching and training both the two and four legged. My focus is to teach my clients to put the animal first and help them learn through positive reinforcement and understanding. With each lesson or clinic that I teach, my goal is to help strengthen the partnership by educating about balance, behavior and the learning process of the animal. I am currently adding to my training repertoire by getting certified at a Professional Dog Trainer. I feel the basic rules of learning apply to all species. I incorporate training into my everyday life with my own amazing animals. My 15-year-old Trakehner gelding, Tristan, has done Eventing, cattle work, mounted archery, medieval combat and has had basic police training. Dani and Elliott, my miniature horses, are currently learning to drive, perform tricks and training to be a therapy horses. My three beautiful rough coat collies, James, Viktor and Emma, have helped to spark my passion for dog training. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing an animal understand, learn and connect with their handler.
