Krystal inspires women in the equestrian world

By: Virginia Imberti Posted: 10/01/2020

Krystal has travelled 20 countries on horseback in 10 years

Krystal is an equestrian professional, who visited 20 countries on horseback during 10 years. She strives to inspire future rider’s from around the world to follow their dreams and discover amazing places on horseback.

Krystal Kelly was born in California, USA. Her passion for riding horses goes back to her early childhood. One day she decided to go on her first equestrian trip to Belgium and ever since her life has changed for good.

Exploring the world on horseback, Krystal met women who, due to cultural limitations, cannot ride horses, which caused a great impact in her. Krystal has been riding in 20 countries in 10 years and she has the dream that all women should be able to ride horses and to spread this activity among women.

Krystal is an empowered woman who loves horses and aims to make a social impact. Her website and her Facebook group “Krystal Kelly: Equestrian Adventuress & FEI II Coach”Equestrian Adventuresses - Horse & Travel Lovers offers women from all around the globe to share their passion for horse riding and to recommend different travel destinations.

We have had the great pleasure to make an interview with Krystal, who owns various titles, such as FEI coach, certified equine massage therapist, certified horse trainer, polo player, professional show jumping rider and trainer, consultant, certified yoga teacher, world traveller, woman empowerment supporter and role model. She is explaining her experiences and views about the equestrian world by answering our questions as follows.

How many countries have you seen on horseback until now?

Hmm... probably not as many as you’d think. I’ve travelled to about 60 countries in total and only ridden in around 20. When I left the USA in 2010 to start working with horses abroad I never could have imagined the places horses would take me. Because of horses I’ve lived in countries like Egypt, India, Romania and Belgium. I’ve also ridden horses in Greenland, Greece, Iraq, Brazil, Slovenia, Bhutan and more. Seeing a new country from horseback is by far the best way to explore the nature and if not for horses I would have missed out on so many wonderful experiences.

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How old were you when you first started to ride a horse?

Horses were very expensive in California where I grew up. There were no horse stables within an hour’s drive of me and my parents couldn’t really afford it. Because of this I could only take riding lessons twice a month (every other week) for most of my childhood. I was 9 years old when I first started taking riding lessons but the first time I sat on a horse was when I was maybe 2 years old. My dad took me to a flea market and let me sit on one of the pony rides. My face lit up and I was the happiest kid in the world as I rode that pony around. My dad said I was never the same since that day.

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What drove you to take up horseback riding travel?

I have two great loves in life. These loves of mine are fierce in my heart and deep in my soul. They are not something I could live without. The first one is horses. The second one is travel. It was never an option or a consideration on whether or not I should travel and ride horses. It was in my blood. Although I had no clue how I would travel anywhere in the world when I was living in America, I knew that it was simply not an option to NOT GO. It HAD to happen. So I made it happen and never looked back.

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In your opinion, what is the advantage of seeing the world on horseback as compared to conventional tourism?

Firstly, any horse rider already knows the connection you get with your horse is unlike any other feeling on the planet. It’s the only sport where human beings actually rely on the emotions, fitness, training and personality of an animal.

The other thing about seeing the world from horseback is that local people are more likely to connect with you . Seeing a person riding a horse through the town or village is an unusual sight in most countries. Especially if you’re a woman! (Not to mention a tall blonde one!) So many times people have approached me, or my horse. Because I was travelling on horseback, it gave them something to come up to me and talk to me about. They are often eager to learn and invite me in or at the very least pet my horse! I’ve made a lot of great friends because of riding horses in different countries. People I never would have spoken to if I hadn’t been on horseback.

I also would never have gone up the many paths or trails and seen the great nature I’ve seen.

Besides, everyone knows the pyramids look better when your horse is galloping across the sand and the wind is blowing in your face... riding horses is a real adrenaline rush and I don’t fully understand people that go hiking for “fun”.

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Has it ever happened to you that somebody recognized you during a horseback tour?

Ha! No, but I am definitely not famous, nor do I try to be. I purposefully made Equestrian Adventuresses about OTHER WOMEN’S adventures on horseback so that I could keep my own adventures more to myself. OK, so that’s not entirely true. I do love to share my stories and experiences, but I also like to save some of the very special moments for myself.

The past 10 years I have been working with horses in various countries but I always worked as a Show Jumping Coach and Trainer and Club Manager. I started riding programs, I even worked as a trail guide once and a polo player and polo pony trainer, but the horseback tours is something new to me. I do sometimes meet people that have heard of me in the horse world because the global community of horses is a lot smaller than most people think, but most of them know only of my resume and not so much what my face looks like.

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You have one of the best jobs in the world – you ride horses, go places… Is there anything that you don’t like about being an influencer?

I don’t like working on computers, editing videos or podcasts or doing anything on the computer really. I spent 15 years working outside with horses and I am not used to doing computer work. I have a lot on my plate and to keep Equestrian Adventuresses running.

I have to spend hours editing podcasts, videos for our YouTube documentaries and channel and editing and posting articles on the website. I also spend a lot of time posting in our Facebook group, on our Facebook page and also on our Instagram account! I try my best to comment to each and every person in the group, but it is getting a bit more difficult the more that we grow. I guess that is a good problem to have though!

This year I am focusing more on building the Equestrian Adventuresses team to be able to reach more people and change more lives than I could do alone. It’s my life’s mission to inspire and empower women to achieve their big dreams in life, such as travelling on horseback. If it wasn’t for my mission driving me, I think I would have a hard time staying motivated to do the necessary computer work!

Other than that though I really can’t complain! I also really enjoy listening and sharing other women’s riding adventures so it’s always a treat to be able to speak to them on Skype for the podcast show or meet them in person and film their story and connect with them and ask them intrusive questions. I also love every time someone sends me an article they wrote about their story and I get excited to share their articles on our website!

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We can see that you reinvent yourself all the time, you always come up with something original... Do you have anything new in mind? (If you can tell us about it).

I have so many ideas!

I have more ideas than I have actual time to realize all of them. I have a few new plans in store for Equestrian Adventuresses.

I love how our film documentaries went this year and I am currently about to release an episode filmed in Greenland. These films showcase strong women in the horse industry in unique countries and I felt it was super important to capture their stories and have their voices heard. Women empowerment is a big passion of mine and I have seen first-hand what wonders something as simple as a woman riding a horse in a country where women "aren’t supposed to ride” can do for the world.

Something as simple as a young girl seeing me ride can make her interested in also riding horses one day and from there a spiral can happen and suddenly more and more women get involved in the sport!

I love it!

Because of the power of these short films I made this year for our YouTube channel, my big plan is to make a film festival at one point. I’d love these films to be featured in different venues and events around the world to allow women a place to meet, watch some inspiring stories and connect with other like-minded ladies! These topics need to be talked about and I have no problem talking about it.

I also have plans in the pipeline for the members in our community to be able to challenge themselves to meet their goals for the new year!

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Do you think that there is any kind of prejudice related to equestrian tourism? If so, what is it?

A lot of countries have a very male dominated horse culture. I know because I was often the ONLY woman running the stables. But I realized in the horse tourism industry, the customers are mostly women. I think because of this, it’s very important to get more local women involved in the horse industry in many of these countries!

I think that when a bunch of women get together it can be a very powerful and magical experience.

I know that I have a very different – often negative – experience when I am the only woman surrounded by a bunch of macho men. I used to really enjoy the challenge of it, but now that I’m older I am a lot less likely to tolerate overly macho behaviour and I think that is why I often feel more comfortable in groups with strong like-minded women. It’s really nice to be able to have conversations about and address topics that only women fully understand.

I love these deep conversations and when I travel to the Middle East for example I am always curious to speak to the women wearing the nicab and burqa and get to know them. I want to know what life in their shoes is like and I really try to understand the culture fully. I think that hearing these women’s stories and sharing their stories is very powerful and has become a personal fascination of mine. And they are always super happy to share with me!

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As an influencer, what positive message do you like to give in the equestrian world?

More women around the world need access to horses! I know that I simply couldn’t live without horses and there are so many countries where women are denied this chance. It’s my mission to change that and to give more women the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be in the saddle.

I also believe that many women think that travelling is more difficult than it needs to be.

It can seem very scary if you haven’t done it much before, especially if you’re a solo woman. But it doesn’t need to be scary and is something I think should be a priority on people’ bucket lists.

Travel can actually CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES.

I know because it’s changed mine and many people I’ve met while travelling.

You can’t say that about a lot of things people tend to prioritize. (I’ve never heard anyone that had their life changed by drinking Starbucks coffee every day or buying a new car...) When we get old, the things we remember are the experiences and memories we had, When we get old, the things we remember are the experiences and memories we had.

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What places in the world have impressed you the most?

Greenland is definitely up there. Also Bhutan. Romania was a hidden gem as well. Iraq had some of the friendliest and kindest people I’ve ever met! Bali in Indonesia was like living in paradise. To tell you the truth I am in love with every place I have been. That is probably the reason I typically visit the same country multiple times or I stay there for months or years! I am a bit of a “slow traveller.” I really like to get to know a place as best as I can before I move on to another!

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Have you ever been to Argentina? If you have, what did you like the most about this country

I actually haven’t! Argentina is one of those places that has been on my list for a long time but I haven’t made it out there yet. It is definitely one of those places I really feel like I need some time to explore and experience it fully, and of course the only proper way to see the country would be on horseback! I interviewed women on The EQA podcast and website who’ve explored Argentina on horseback and I’m incredibly jealous when I hear their amazing stories.

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Can you describe positive traditions from the countries where you lived or that you visited, and that you think can be good examples in other parts of the world?

In India they have a huge respect for their seniors and elders. Seniors can also simply mean their higher authority figures so often I was addressed as a “senior” even though I was only 22 years old when I worked there. I once got in trouble because during a riding lesson I corrected my students leg position by moving their leg with my hand. My student felt he had disrespected me because I was his senior and he was supposed to touch MY feet, not the other way around! So my student had to make a little prayer during the lesson and the next time he saw me, not only did he touch my feet but he brought me some sweets! Although I don’t think my students need to bend down and touch my feet before each riding lesson, I really appreciate how much respect they show for their elders and seniors.

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Do you know the Peruvian Paso Horse? If so, what do think about it?

I know the breed and have seen them on videos but have never gotten to ride one. I would love to try and ride them though. I’ve seen the way they step their feet very quickly and I hear stories about how smooth and comfortable they are to ride. I love the sound of that! There is nothing worse than going for a long 6 hour ride on a bouncy, lazy or uncomfortable horse!

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You have a group in Facebook for women who are passionate about horses... Do you think that women are undergoing significant transformation and that we now bring ourselves to practice more sports such as show jumping, polo or just travelling solo?

In western countries it’s easy to find more women than men at the competitions. Where it starts to thin out is in sports like high level polo or high level show jumping.

When it comes to travelling solo though women are really starting to take over.

It’s quite common to find women joining horse riding groups on their own and most of the time it’s women who are going solo. I think that is great!

When I first left America 10 years ago, I was working in non-touristic places and often times I was the only white woman the locals had EVER seen. I used to feel alone, like I was the only one but now I see more and more women trail blazing to adventurous places.

I think that is what the world needs and I’m happy that it’s growing more and more popular the more women realize that it’s not only possible for them but it’s a game changer!

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How do you see the future of equestrian tourism? Will it diversify? Will it branch out? Will it remain the same?

I honestly think that equestrian tourism is going to grow bigger and stronger than ever. A hundred years ago it wasn’t as accessible and easy for normal people to afford travel. Nowadays with so many tour companies, cheap flights, and inexpensive hotels, I feel the world is more accessible than it ever has been before!

Last Christmas for example, I travelled to Iraq! Of course there are some areas which are unsafe so I remained in Kurdistan during my trip but only a few years ago it wouldn’t have been possible to travel there. I was shocked by the beauty of the country and everything I learned about what happened there and the struggles of the people. It was such an eye opening experience. And of course I had to ride horses!

I visited several farms and met so many friendly locals who proudly showed me their horses. They were so excited to share their culture with me and welcome me inside for some tea. And I even got to ride a horse with VERY famous show jumping bloodlines at a gorgeous show jumping stables.

I loved it!

I can definitely see myself going back and bringing others with me. I think that there are enough adventurous people nowadays to be open minded to travelling somewhere like that. Sure there is still some fear in some people, but there is also a lot of open minded people that are willing and ready to travel to some truly unique places that ten years ago might have scared them!

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Which social network do you feel more comfortable with when it comes to showing all you do? Why?

I think I am a Facebook fan simply because of the community I have built in our Equestrian Adventuresses Facebook Group. No other platform really lets me connect with so many people around the world all in one place.

I also really love Youtube because I am a firm believer that film and video has the power to spark emotion and action in people. It’s a great way of spreading the message about women empowerment in the equine travel space and no other platform can quite capture the beauty and emotions as much as film can..

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When you go on a day riding tour or by the hour, can you make a distinction between a horse that is well trained and one that is not? What differences do you find?

OF COURSE!

It’s a HUGE difference riding a well-schooled horse and to be honest, I am a little bit of a show jumping perfectionist when it comes to schooling a horse.

I love riding horses that have a solid dressage background and I love horses that I really can communicate with on a more advanced level than “stop” or “turn right”.

I love a horse that can leg yield around a tree with slight leg pressure or jump a fallen log or sit on their haunches when they go down steep mountains. Of course, as a professional horse trainer I often get the young, less experienced horses. I do enjoy riding young horses who are just learning the ropes but in trickier terrain sometimes it’s nice to just drop the reins and trust the horse to find its way.

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Do you like horseback riding expeditions where you sleep in tents or do you prefer routes that combine hotels and horse riding travel?

In my 20’s I roughed it quite a bit. In fact, a little too much. I did the whole “bucket shower” thing for far too long, but to be honest I was NEVER much for camping. That’s right. I’m an adventuress that likes to sleep in a bed! I don’t mind camping for a night or two and I am definitely not picky about it when I’m in the middle of nowhere and camping is inevitable. But if I had to choose, I would pick a hotel or homestay every time!

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Is it important to you the way in which a horse riding travel agent presents its logistics? What should agents or companies take into consideration for their logistics to be effective?

I have never ridden with a travel agent before and I’ve never really done a horse riding tour until this year. Except that I was working on my film documentaries during these horse tours so I’m not sure I can say that I fully experienced sitting and enjoying a tour without any work.

I am more of a “wing it” personality so all of my travels with horses has been spontaneous up until now.

I do see the benefits of having something prearranged though if you have a limited time and no one knows the layout of the land better than the locals living there and riding that trail every day!

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Do you have any mentor or model? (Another influencer, a show jumper, etc.)

When it comes to mentors I look up to my childhood show jumping idols like Rodrigo Pessoa. In my travels I have had the pleasure of working with a lot of Olympic riders and top level coaches.

I really respect the riders but the coaches are definitely my heroes. I listen to every word they say very carefully and really respect their knowledge. That is why I pursued my FEI II Coaching certification and am happy to say I am the ONLY person from the USA with this certificate.

I think that being a high level coach is a great aspiration because in no other industry can you change lives and help horses and humans connect in such a deep way. Riding horses has changed my life and its great to be able to share my passion with others!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions. We’ll follow every trip of yours and wait for you in Argentina!

/ Source of the photos: https://krystal-kelly.com /

The interview with Krystal has been very enriching. Her experience in the equestrian world converts her into the right person to give an opinion on the equestrian tourism today, she invites us to reflect on how we can improve and strengthen our virtues.

In times when women obtain greater presence, her role in the equestrian world is getting more and more important and she shows us how fundamental it is to travel, to leave prejudices behind and she motivates us to discover the world on horseback, a guarantee to spend fabulous holidays!

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling the world on horseback?

Argentina is a country with a long-standing tradition of horses. Exploring the country on horseback is something unique – a highly recommended experience. In our eBook "Discover Argentina, the Land of the Gaucho, on Horseback" you will find our options to enjoy Argentina on horseback.

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