A childhood dream is coming true for Weyburn native Kelsey Hennig who is now training at the world-renowned Equestrian venue, Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta. 

Kelsey received her first horse from her parents when she was five years old, she shared that it was from here that her knowledge and love for horses grew and she shares how her parents especially her mom were an influence on growing her career. 

“She's (Mom, Karen Hennig) been especially a huge influence on my love of horses, and she's been very helpful.” 

“I started out riding mostly in the local Weyburn 4H Light Horse Club. We hosted our own shows there at the fairgrounds and so that's kind of mostly what I did. I started riding Western, did a bit of barrel racing and all that stuff, nothing major really,” said Kelsey. 

Kelsey was just ten years old when she began watching Spruce Meadows Show Jumping on TV. Immediately she fell in love, it was at this tender age that she remembers turning to her family and saying, “You’re going to see me compete there one day.” 

Kelsey Hennig

“I guess I technically accomplished that, since I have competed here, but the goal is to ride in the famous international ring which I still have yet to work towards.” 

It was in 2018 that she began working at Spruce Meadows as a stable hand and six months later she started grooming for the world-renowned Nikolaj Hein Ruus, the Danish rider who also happened to be Spruce Meadows top rider. When Hein Ruus moved on, Kelsey began grooming for Vancouver native Brian Morton who also became Spruce Meadows top rider. 

Kelsey shares how Morton has helped her train and has been a positive influence and support. 

“Brian's been a huge help in that area, kind of helping train me and get me back in the show ring, it's been a few years since I've trained, it's been amazing.” 

Kelsey Hennig at Desert Internation Horse Park, Thermal, California, photo courtesy of Kelsey HennigKelsey Hennig at Desert International Horse Park, Thermal, California, photo courtesy of Kelsey Hennig

Determined to reach her dream, Kelsey works long days usually working 10 to 12 hours shifts, and now added to her schedule is her daily training. Her goal is to compete this spring at Spruce Meadows May classic with a Spruce Meadows home-bred mare, Looked Twice. 

Spruce Meadows is host to some of the world’s most prestigious Equestrian events, including the Masters Competition, which is held every year in September.  This event brings in the world’s top riders where they compete for the Nation’s Cup and the Three Million Dollar CP International, which also happens to be the richest show jumping competition in the world with a 3-million-dollar purse.