Keighley lives in the beautiful Welsh countryside, surrounded by horses and an array of other animals including ferrets, chickens, ducks, pigeons, rabbits, goats and dogs – many of which are rescue animals.
With a keen amateur jockey for a father and a mother who was a head lady at a hunting yard, it was almost inevitable that horses became Keighley’s world. Her family has run a successful livery yard for over 30 years, and in the last decade has opened an additional livery business. During that time, Keighley has been central to their management and day-to-day running.
“I have worked on many yards working closely with trainers and a number of professionals, such as vets, farriers, dentists and chiropractors in order to achieve and maintain the highest standards of health, wellbeing and performance for horses,” she says.
Keighley’s equestrian career started with a Welsh Section A at the age of three and she hasn’t looked back. She won a scholarship to Hartpury College, where she was selected as part of the academy and represented the College at numerous competitions across various disciplines. She is also a Riding Club National Champion at the open level and has judged in-hand showing classes and ridden working hunting classes.
Breeding is another of Keighley’s interests, and many of her horses have gone on to enjoy success in a wide range of disciplines. “I LOVE to connect with other horse lovers, sharing the experiences and knowledge that 32 years with horses has taught me,” she enthuses. Horse welfare is a particular passion: Keighley has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed a number of horses and ponies over the years. “It is vital that horses receive the veterinary treatment they need and deserve. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. I thrive on the satisfaction of seeing happy and healthy horses and ponies in a loving home.”