Since childhood, horses have been more than a passion for Kelly Stuart-Mitchell; they have been a defining part of who she is.
Growing up in New Zealand in a racing family, it was almost inevitable that horses would shape Kelly’s future. But it wasn’t until a handsome standardbred named Jett crossed her path that her journey took a turn from the harness track to the show ring.
After a move to Australia, Kelly first met Jett during her time working for renowned Victorian harness racing trainers Andy and Kate Gath.
Jett, who raced as Gowan Brae, was striking stallion with an exceptional nature, presence and connection with Kelly.
When a recurring injury forced Jett into early retirement, Kelly didn’t hesitate: she knew he had more to offer and she wanted to be the one to help him find his next chapter.
Just ten days after his final race, Jett stepped into his new life. Kelly took him to his very first show at Maryborough where he wowed the crowd in led classes and cheekily discovered that the show ring had its own attractions.
“That was the day Jett realised he was a stallion. He definitely liked the girls in their makeup!”, Kelly laughs.
Having worked with Jett for many years around the stables without incident, Kelly gave him the benefit of the doubt and a few more chances to show as an entire, before eventually gelding him at eight years of age. The decision, she says, helped Jett to focus, but didn’t dull his larger-than-life personality.
Transitioning Jett under saddle wasn’t without its challenges. “He was a handful,” Kelly admits. “Strong-willed, full of sass. Some of those early rides were wild, but he always had an incredible work ethic and so much heart.”
The miles and patience paid off. Together, Kelly and Jett climbed to the top of the show world. Across 2018–2020, their partnership delivered a string of standout results, beginning with Jett being crowned Supreme Champion Led at Barastoc Horse of the Year. They went on to claim the SPPHAV Champagne Dressage Series title and Champion Rider honours at Royal Geelong, before returning to Barastoc to add Champion Rider to their growing list of achievements.
Their success extended to secure the SPPHAV National Highpoint Champion title, HRV Hero Highpoint Champion award and the prestigious HRV Hero Perpetual Trophy.
It was a period marked by dedication, hard work and unforgettable achievements, but as the ribbons and trophies piled up, so too did new opportunities and responsibilities away from the show circuit.
Life became increasingly busy for Kelly and her partner, Trevor Peacock, running a successful harness racing stable based in Lake Bolac.
With a full stable of seven racehorses to work, including Six Nations, Blake Bolac, Always Be Blakey and Claudy An Gus, Kelly had little time left for the show ring. She also continued her long-running role preparing yearlings and attending sales with the team at Alabar Farms, who she describes as “an amazing group of people” she “deeply respects and loves working with”. As a result, riding took a back seat and Jett enjoyed a well-deserved three-year break.
However, some partnerships are too strong to leave behind. This March, Kelly brought Jett back into work and he didn’t miss a beat. At their very first HRCAV show, Jett produced a stunning workout to help Kelly earn Champion Rider not only in her own level (4), but succeeding against the champion riders across all levels from 5 to Advanced.
Weeks later at Terang HRCAV Dressage Round 1, Kelly and Jett won both their dressage tests and took out Day Champion in Level 4. At the recent Avoca Dressage Day, the pair claimed a jackpot championship, winning their first test and finishing second in their second test to officially ‘point up’ to Level 3.
“It’s been amazing,” Kelly says. “Joining HRCAV has opened a whole new world for us. I’m really excited to keep doing dressage days through winter and when the show season picks back up, we’ll be back in the agi rings and at more SPPHAV and HRCAV events.”
Through every step of their journey, Jett has embodied everything Kelly loves about standardbreds. Even with all his quirks, she has never felt unsafe with him.
With a lifelong connection to the breed, Kelly shares a deep admiration for standardbreds, describing them as ‘kind, willing and incredibly smart’.
“Standies are such forgiving horses, who simply want to be with you and make you happy. The more you give to them, the more they give back”.
