The Heart of KE Horse Training
At KE Horse Training, we have dedicated more than three decades to the art of horsemanship—combining time-honored training techniques with thoughtful, modern applications.
This boutique-style program intentionally maintains limited enrollment, allowing each horse and rider to receive the focused attention they deserve. We are committed to providing premium care, purposeful training, and open communication while developing confident, competitive horses through patience and consistency.
Riders learn through honest, focused coaching designed to deepen their understanding, strengthen communication, and cultivate a genuine partnership with their horses.
Above all, at KE Horse Training, we pledge that the mental and physical well-being of every horse remains at the heart of every training session. Every blue ribbon, training milestone, and step forward is achieved through a horse’s growth— and never at their expense.
Meet Trainer Kelley Engel
Born in Indiana, Kelley Engel was the quintessential horse-crazy child, asking for a pony at every opportunity until her parents finally gave in. What began as a childhood dream soon developed into a lifelong dedication to horses and the art of horsemanship.
Kelley enjoyed a successful youth show career competing in all-around events under the guidance of multiple World Champion coach and trainer Cindy Bruns. Her mother, Penny Engel—an equestrian herself—encouraged her at every step while instilling a belief that continues to guide Kelley today: the horse must always come first.
Kelley went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences with an emphasis in Equine Science from Morehead State University in Kentucky. While completing her degree and after graduating, she moved to Nebraska and worked as an assistant to well-known, multiple World Champion trainers Sandy and Jim Jirkovsky of J/S Training. During those five years, she helped train and show Appaloosa horses in regional, national, and World-level competition while coaching amateur riders under the Jirkovskys’ mentorship. This experience strengthened her skills in developing versatile show horses and helping riders pursue their goals with confidence.
Kelley then spent seven years working for legendary horseman Benny Guitron in Merced, California. A many-time AQHA World Champion and master of traditional hackamore training, Benny immersed Kelley in the art of the California cow horse and the time-honored techniques behind its development. This life-changing chapter of her career expanded her horsemanship, refined her management skills, and deepened her appreciation for patient, progressive training. Under Benny’s guidance, Kelley was honored to compete in the first-ever Ranch Riding class held at the AQHA World Championship Show. She returned in its second year and earned her first trip to the finals, placing among the top 10 in the world aboard Cowboy Real.
After more than two decades of education and experience alongside some of the most respected professionals in the industry, Kelley stepped out on her own and established KE Horse Training in Brentwood, California. Carrying forward the knowledge and values instilled by her mentors, she created a program devoted to what she loves most: developing champion ranch horses for the open and amateur show arenas while helping horses and riders become confident, successful teams built on mutual respect, honest communication, and lasting partnership.