Grace Kay and Bluefields For Cello. Image Leszek Wójcik.
Even from her very early days on the saddle, Grace Kay has always shown talent. Based in Europe for the past three years, she’s successfully training and competing across the three Olympic disciplines and strategically working towards two major goals: the 2026 FEI World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Grace Kay on Celerity Park Faberge, 2017. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Grace Kay first sat on a horse at age four and began riding regularly at five via a friend who had ponies. There she soon found herself under the auspices of Kim Peterson, a working equitation enthusiast; it wasn’t long before Kim recognised Grace’s talent and found her a pony of her own, Rothwell Stagecraft. Naughty yet talented, this pony proved right for Grace and kickstarted her dressage journey.
Next came Elite Dynasty, whom Grace found as an unbroken three-year-old running in a paddock with 30 other horses; and then Karingal Jamirquai with whom she won the Aachen Challenge at Dressage & Jumping with the Stars.
Grace trained with the renowned Portuguese-born, Australian-based classical dressage trainer, Miguel Tavora, for many years, during which time she produced Celerity Park Faberge, whom she purchased as a foal. After some very exuberant and difficult starts as a young horse she tried to expose him to different environments including showjumping and eventing training where she realised the horse’s aptitude for eventing – and it was then off to Andrew Barnett’s to gain experience in this discipline. Faberge ultimately went to four-star level eventing. Alongside eventing with Faberge, Grace continued in the dressage arena with WG Confederate, Bluefields Federer and Sonara.
Over the years, Grace has made short trips to Europe on several occasions and trained with the likes of Johan Hamminga, Wolfram Wittig and Stefan Wolff on the dressage front, as well as Sophie Leube for eventing.
EUROPEAN VENTURE
In 2021, Grace moved to Europe with three horses under the guidance of Stefan Wolff. Previously her trips abroad had been shorter training stints, but this time the plan was to remain in Europe for several years. Three years on, Grace is now based at Utopia Equestrian Estate in the Netherlands with a team of six horses. Founded by Esther and Wiro Bakker, Utopia Equestrian Estate is touted as a highly sustainable, state-of-the-art equestrian facility. Not only the Bakkers’ family facility, Utopia EE opened its doors to guests earlier this year – with Grace and her team now one of them.
Of the three horses that travelled over from Australia originally, Grace explains that one has been sold, while another successfully reached his training goals and has reunited with his owner. She’s been thrilled to watch that partnership go from strength to strength back on Australian soil. “They’re doing really well together now, so I think that plan worked out super,” she says with a smile.
The third Aussie export, eventer Bluefields For Cello (Bluefields Floreno x Musketeer xx), who Grace part owns with Joanne and Jeff Keyte, is one of six horses currently in her stable. The gelding had his first ever overseas FEI start in July 2022 after arriving in Europe, and earlier this year stepped up to four-star. In June, Grace and Bluefields For Cello represented Australia in the CCIO4*S Nations Cup at Strzegom Horse Trials in Poland. They were in the top 10 following the cross country phase, however a few rails in the final phase kept them from achieving what would have been a dream result.
Grace and Bluefields For Cello at the Nations Cup in Strzegom, June 2024. Image Leszek Wójcik.
“He’s a really great little horse. He’s amazing cross country and has really nice dressage, but he just struggles a bit with the jumping. I will keep him for the season ahead, where he’ll do a few four-star events and continue to help me gain experience at that level,” explains Grace.
SECOND EVENTER
Grace recently welcomed a second eventer named Harthill Samba (Arkol x Dorado) into her stable –and she has high hopes for this horse. “I’m really excited about him,” she enthuses. “I aim to take him to the FEI World Championships at Aachen in 2026, and then ultimately to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
“I found him in the UK. We’re just getting to know each other at the moment, but I’m really, really looking forward to this season. We’ve got a plan of all the shows that we want to hit, and I have made some goals… I’d really love to make the team for Aachen on him. We’re going to put our best foot forward and show the selectors that we’re ready and a combination that shouldn’t be overlooked.”
Grace and Harthill Samba. Image by Joanna Sieradzka.
As Olympian and Australian equestrian legend Heath Ryan outlined in the September 2024 issue of Equestrian Life, taking the initiative to plan and prepare for these long-terms goals is critical to success.
“I have just put together a syndicate for Harthill Samba,” says Grace, “it wasn’t an option to purchase a horse of this quality personally and I’ve always loved having a close knit team so a syndicate seemed like a natural way to go, there are a few spots left on the syndicate if anybody is keen to go on this adventure with me!”
THE DRESSAGE BUG
Not only a talented event rider, Grace also has, of course, long had the dressage bug. Consequently, in her stable of six, there are several dressage horses.
“She’s a stunning horse with
an incredible temperament…”
Grace and Famosa. Image by Joanna Sieradzka.
“Famosa is a really beautiful seven-year-old Fürstenball x Sir Donnerhall mare, and she is also owned by Jo and Jeff Keyte. “She’s a stunning horse with an incredible temperament,” Grace notes. “We’re preparing her for Prix St Georges and enjoy having Jo involved in her training when she visits.”
Also on the dressage front is Secret Rose, a Secret x De Niro mare bred by Caroline Kottas whom Grace has enjoyed success with in young horses classes this year.
“She is our little pocket rocket, and I just absolutely adore her. She was purchased as a little green four-year-old by some long-term Australian owners of mine. We decided to come up with a plan to buy a young horse that was quite green, and then spend a few years producing her through the levels to take back to Australia with all the European experience. I think it is really important to see such foresight and planning in the development of combinations like this.
“She was so trainable and
very clear in the head…”
”
“I actually found her at [Australian Olympian] William Matthew’s barn, and I just loved her. He did a super job breaking her in and putting the first few months of training into her. I could see right away the quality, and what was really clear to us was that she had an excellent mind. She was so trainable and very clear in the head. She’s an absolute pleasure to work with.
Grace and Secret Rose at CDI Biały Las in Poland. Image by Lukasz Kowalski.
Grace and Casinaro. Image by Joanna Sieradzka.
“She has been really successful in the young horse classes here in Europe and has always placed in the national classes, even in some pretty impressive fields. I took her to her first international show this year at CDI Biały Las in Poland, and it was actually a bit of a late afterthought. I wanted to see how she would go in a bigger environment, and she was just class. She was absolutely focused and handled the atmosphere like a pro. I was so happy that the international judges could see the same quality that I was feeling. I’m really excited to take her out next season. She’s so smart, she has everything for the six-year-old classes already!”
Grace then has Casinaro (Casdorff), a horse she owns herself who is ready to compete at Small Tour and is training quite a bit of the Grand Prix work. “I just I love this horse. He was quite tricky when I first bought him – very sensitive and a bit quirky in the mind – but he has settled down so much now, and he just loves being around people and going to competitions. He’s very good at shows, and I hope to take him out at international Small Tour level over this next year.”
THE SHOW JUMPER
If it wasn’t enough having eventing and dressage horses, Grace also welcomed a six-year-old Kannan x Conthargos jumping mare to her stable a year ago.
“Kachima is owned by Anette Witte in Germany, and she’s been an absolute pleasure to have,” says Grace. “I don’t have a lot of experience producing show jumpers, but she’s very talented and I find that it’s amazing to jump a horse with so much natural ability. I really have loved bringing her through. We started out in 90cm young horse classes, and a year later she is placing in the 1.25m classes. We were really happy with her last 12 months, and this next year we hope to take her out for the seven-year-old CSI shows, so that will be fun!”
Grace, pictured here with Famosa, has learnt a lot over the past three years in Europe. Image by Joanna Sieradzka.
“I really want to produce
horses that are well rounded.”
EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE
“Being over here has really broadened my perspective, that’s for sure,” says Grace of her experience living and training in Europe. “Not just in terms of riding and training, but also in really understanding the global nature of our industry. Our sport is a truly international sport and being over here and seeing the economy around it has really opened my eyes to how much opportunity it contains.”
One of the most valuable lessons Grace has learned is the importance of versatility in horse training. “Every horse requires an adaptable approach. While a systematic training foundation is essential, its success depends on tailoring it to suit each horse’s unique needs.”
Grace believes this adaptability sets her apart. “I focus on producing horses that are not only physically well-trained but also mentally balanced. Incorporating elements from eventing, dressage, and showjumping ensures the horses remain fit, happy, and comfortable in their work. This holistic approach is something I’ve worked hard to refine.”
Although she’s learnt a lot in three years, Grace knows that we never stop learning when it comes to horses. “I came to Europe to grow, learn, and immerse myself in high-level training, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. Every day presents new opportunities to improve. So far, I have learned a lot!”
Grace, pictured here with Harthill Samba, is excited for the years ahead. Image by Joanna Sieradzka.
“The other thing I have realised too is that it’s great to work really hard, but at the end of the day you do need a quality horse to get to the very top level. There’s absolutely no substitute for good training, but you need to have a vision and a long term plan. If you can’t afford to go out and buy a high level horse that’s already working at the top, then you really have to be proactive and sit down and make a decision to work towards it for the next five years, sit down and say, ‘OK, maybe I invest in something that’s quite young and affordable now, and then put the hard work and training into it. I think doing this, is really important and something that I would love to help others within Australia. Planning, discipline and dedication are key.”
Grace reveals that she’s in the process of setting up a new business and course centred on helping others access top level horses through a similar syndication process to what she has undertaken. “I’ll be sharing a bit more on my Instagram about that shortly… it’s something I’m passionate about!”
STAY ‘TIL LA
Although Grace misses Australia, she’s committed to the plan she’s laid out and intends on remaining in Europe until the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
“I’m really happy with the stable that I’ve moved into now and the area that I’m in. I have access to a lot of excellent competitions and the infrastructure here is fantastic. The stable and owners themselves are supportive, and we have access to all the facilities that we need to produce international sport horses.
“I was highly conscious when I decided to move of finding a place that I could really develop myself and the horses to the top level of the sport. It’s hard enough by yourself over here and I’m really proud of how far we’ve come. It’s a lot of work to stay here and to be here, but I’m really enjoying the journey.
“At the moment, I’m in the process of setting up with coaches. I have access in this area [southern Holland] to so many friendly people who are likeminded and really involved in the sport. I’m really looking forward to continuing this journey, and I think it will be an exciting few years.”
“I love the beach and I
love surfing… that’s a little
tricky to do over here!”
Grace says she’s so grateful for her owners who are joining her on this journey, as without them the plans she’s made wouldn’t be possible. “It’s great of my owners… they support me and support the vision and ideas that we have with the horses. I’m really grateful for that. I’m in the process of setting up a second syndicate to purchase another dressage horse, so there are lots of things in place to continue to develop and reach the goals that we have.”
And while Grace is loving her time in Europe, Australia will always be home. “I miss Australia a lot; I really, really love Australia. I love getting back there and seeing my friends and family. My family is very important to me, without the support from my parents and sister throughout my life I wouldn’t be here today. All the things I’ve achieved are due to their continuous belief and encouragement.
“Another aspect I miss is our equestrian community; it’s small but very supportive, and I think we are really lucky in Australia to have that. But I’m committed to this journey and excited for what the future holds.
“Of course I also miss the Aussie lifestyle, I’m a bit of a beachy girl. I love the beach and I love surfing… that’s a little tricky to do over here!” EQ
Related articles
Mary Hanna has represented Australia at six Olympic Games, six FEI World Equestrian Games/World Championships, and five World Cup finals – soon to be six. Renowned for her dogged determination and persistence, the words “quit” and “give up” are not part of Mary’s vocabulary.
Vicki Roycroft is winding down and selling up. And has married a man named Neil. All of this she is determined to do before she dies – again. The first time was at the Sydney Royal Show last year.