Meet the Faculty
Sean Kelly
Sean Kelly's 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 the visionary 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 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 prestigious national breeding courses in Ireland and England. His innate understanding of horses and dedication to Horse Academy Ireland position him as a cornerstone of expertise in the industry.
Barbara Kelly
Barbara Kelly 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.
Susanne Macken
Susanne Macken, a lifelong equestrian enthusiast has contributed significantly to the global horse community. As former wife of renowned showjumper Eddie Macken, she played a pivotal role in his numerous victories, including four wins in the Hickstead Derby. Holding the presitigious position of a Level 4 Showjumping judge, Susanne has presided as the President of the Ground Jury at CSIO events worldwide.
An internationally recognized figure, Susanne served as a Foreign Judge at prestigious shows in Rome, Madrid and London. Beyond competitions, she has made a substantial impact on equine education by developing two courses for the FEI and Olympic Solidarity—grooms and stable management. Her expertise has been shared across the globe, conducting training sessions in diverse regions, including Zambia, Haiti and Madagascar.
As an FEI tutor for coaching, Susanne brings her wealth of experience to international platforms, including representing Horse Sport Ireland (HSI). She assesses tutors, coaches and riders and serves as an on-call equestrian expert in legal contexts. Additionally, Susanne excels in breeding showjumpers on her farm in Ireland and has been a featured speaker at the Olympics in Hong Kong.
Christina Kelly
Christina Kelly 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 37 Grand prix victories to her illustrious career and has consistently represented her home country, Ireland, on numerous international stages. Christina’s dedication to the equestrian world aligns perfectly with her enthusiasm for joining Horse Academy Ireland making an exciting addition to our esteemed team.
Our BHS Level One Care and Ride Program will be held at Roscommon Equestrian Center
Ideally located in “Ireland’s Hidden Heartland’s” near the scenic Lough Ree along the picturesque River Shannon and at the foot of the impressive Slieve Bawn Mountain, the Kelly family have run Roscommon Equestrian Centre, located between Roscommon town and Lanesboro village since 2003. It is a popular destination with everything you could need for a truly enjoyable riding experience.
Mark Kelly
CEO, Equestrian Manager, Co-Founder, Director, Former Board Member of AIRE, Safe Guarding Officer, HSI Garda Vetting
Jenny Kelly
Director, Instructor, Co-Founder, BHSAI, BHS APC, First Aid, Safe-Guarding, HSI Garda Vetting
Chloe Kelly
Yard Manager, Instructor, BHSAI, BHS APC, First Aid, Safe Guarding, HSI Garda Vetting
Thomas Kelly
Equine Manager, Instructor, BHS Stage 2, Horsemanship QQI Level 6, First Aid, safe Guarding, HSI Garda Vetting
Rebecca Kelly
Tack Shop Deputy Manager, Groom BHS Stage 1, Safe Guarding, HSI Garda Vetting
