Meet the Faculty
Sean Kelly
Co Founder and Director
Sean’s over 40 years of professional experience in equestrianism began on his family's horse farm in Ireland where he gained valuable experience from a young age.
His educational experience in horse breeding led him to study under Dr. Michael Osborne during his attendance at the Irish National Stud Breeding course. Furthering his expertise, Sean ventured to New Zealand and studied under Sir Patrick Hogan at the prestigious Cambridge Stud, where he had an exceptional moment meeting Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Cambridge Stud.
Sean and his wife Barbara have designed and established successful horse sales businesses in Ireland, England and America. In Thoroughbred's they have bred and raised multiple Group and Stakes winners, even a European Classic winner and have recorded over 30 sales topping graduates. In Show Horses they have also bred, owned and trained multiple Grand Prix winners. Sean's consultancy roles at world renowned equestrian centers such as the Sotogrande Equestrian Club in Spain and the Nanjing Racecourse Equestrian Academy in China, showcase his international impact. His involvement in horse transportation spans years, complemented with an FEI Course design and build certification.
Sean's passion lies in nurturing and aspiring equestrians, guiding them to Gold Medal success at the prestigious breeding and horsemanship courses at the Irish and English National Stud.
Christina Kelly
Professional Showjumping Clinician
Barbara Kelly
Co Founder and Director
Barbara has amassed a wealth of experience and success throughout her career. Her proficiency in training racehorses, honed over many years in the United Kingdom, is highly regarded. Together with Sean, she has played a pivotal role in establishing prosperous stud farms in Ireland, England and the United States, specifically in Florida.
Notably, Barbara demonstrated her remarkable acumen in the transformation of the hospitality sector at the Sotogrande International Equestrian Center for local residents and equestrian enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, Barbara’s influence has been paramount in nurturing the career of her daughter, Christina, during her junior rider days in the United States and she continues to be a driving force in Christina’s ongoing success as an equestrian professional.
Victoria “Vicki” Gee
Program Director The American Equestrian Institute
Vicki was born in Wales, Great Britain and grew up riding horse and ponies that nobody else wanted to ride. A member of Dinas Powys Pony Club she represented her club in tetrathlon, show jumping, eventing and the Prince Philip Cup Pony Games team, completing her Pony Club tests through A-level.
Her professional career has taken her across Europe, beginning in France where she trained in classical dressage with Andalusian stallions under Madame Chantebien. Returning to Britain she further developed her expertise with Olympic event rider William Fox Pitt before pursuing additional competitive opportunities.
Vicki subsequently held professional positions in Switzerland and spent 17 years in Italy, where she gained extensive experience in equestrian education and training. Her qualifications through the Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE) encompass riding instruction, pony instruction, vaulting and cross country training.
As Program Director of The American Equestrian Institute, Vicki combines her extensive international experience with commitment to excellence in equestrian education. Her approach emphasizes classical horsemanship, professional standards, practical knowledge and the development of confident, capable young equestrians.
Her leadership will play an important role in preparing students for future opportunities within the international equestrian industry.
Sue Foley
BHSII - BHS Accredited Coach based at Clonshire Equestrian Centre in Ireland.
Sue Foley is a highly respected Irish equestrian professional, educator and businesswoman with over 30 years of experience developing Clonshire Equestrian Centre in County Limerick, Ireland.
A qualified BHS11 and Level 2 Coach, Sue has dedicated her career to equestrian education, professional training and helping riders achieve internationally recognized British Horse Society qualifications.
Her considerable contribution to the equestrian industry includes an appointment to the Board Of Horse Sport Ireland in 2024 and recognition as the 2026 Network Ireland Limerick established Business Woman of the Year.
Sue brings a wealth of International knowledge and expertise to The American Equestrian Institute, where she will serve as our BHS assessor, helping students develop their practical horsemanship, riding skills and understanding professional career pathways.
Christina is a highly accomplished young show jumper with a remarkable track record. She clinched the European Championship in the Pony category in Andalusia, Spain, under the mentorship of the renowned Nelson Pessoa. Upon her relocation to Wellington, Florida, Christina embarked on a four-year training journey with the legendary Margie Goldstein Engle, during which time she achieved the prestigious title of the USA Showjumping Hall of Fame Champion. Additionally, she held the distinction of being the Top Junior rider at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington for two consecutive years.
Christina’s exceptional talent is underscored by her remarkable feat of winning 10 out of 12 Sunday Wellington Classic events in a single season, a record that remains unbroken to this day. In that same year, she also secured victory in the Inaugural Artisan Young Rider Grand Prix and the Artisan Farms Team Cup.
Transitioning to the professional ranks at the age of 18, Christina has added over 61 Grand prix victories to her illustrious career and has consistently represented her home country, Ireland, on numerous international stages.
Chloe Kelly
BHSAI- BHS Accredited Professional Coach at Roscommon Equestrian Centre in Ireland
Chloe is a British Horse Society qualified equestrian professional with experience in coaching, equine management and rider development. As Yard Manager and Instructor at Roscommon Equestrian Centre in Ireland, she combines professional teaching expertise with the practical leadership and management responsibilities of a working equestrian establishment.
Holding the prestigious British Horse Society Assistant Instructor (BHSAI) qualification and recognition as a BHS Accredited Professional Coach, Chloe brings a structured and professional approach to equestrian education. Her instruction places particular emphasis on classical horsemanship principles, technical proficiency, equine welfare and developing a strong foundation of knowledge and confidence in aspiring equestrians.
