Kelly Lively
Holliston, MA
Competes in equestrian events at a national level.
“Horseback riding has been my passion for as long as I can remember,” says Lively, who started taking riding lessons when she was six years old and now competes in such events as the U.S. Show Jumping Talent Search, the U.S. Equestrian Foundation Medal Finals, and the ASPCA Maclay Finals. This year is the fourth year Lively has qualified to compete in the national finals, which take place in the fall. Last spring, she won the Governor’s Cup in Saratoga Springs, NY.
“Most of my riding up to this point has been in the equitation division, which is judged on the rider’s effectiveness and style over a course of jumps,” she says. “Next year I will be riding in the jumper division, where the goal is to go fast without knocking down the jumps.”
Lively enjoys the challenge that competition brings for both her and her horse, but she says her favorite part of the sport has always been the “incredible” bond she develops with her horses. “The only communication between the horse and me is subtle body language,” she says, “and the horse and I strive to synchronize our effort so that we work as one individual.” The horse Lively mainly competes with now is an 11-year-old Oldenburg named Bennington.
Lively says she is undecided about joining the bi-college equestrian team, but will continue to ride at home during breaks and at competitions.