A Conversation with Kelsey Moeller on Heart Horses, Empathy, and Ethical Horsemanship
Must Love Horses Interviews Kelsey Moeller
For Kelsey Moeller, horses have always been more than companions or partners—they are divine mirrors of patience, presence, and unconditional connection. Her journey, shaped by quiet moments in the barn and hard-earned trust with her heart horse, Jet, is deeply rooted in compassion and growing awareness.
Kelsey is part of a new wave of horsewomen who advocate for ethical horsemanship rooted in empathy, freedom, and positive reinforcement—values she embodies not just in practice but in spirit.
"Jet taught me to listen and empathize."
1. What about horses captured your heart and made you fall in love with them?
As a young girl, I loved the feeling of freedom and fun of riding, but I also enjoyed the therapeutic nature horses offer so freely just by being themselves. They always seemed to be listening to me. I would go to the barn at my grandparent's farm, give them treats, groom them, and just talk to them like a friend. I still feel the same way to this day. Not only are they great company in a world that can feel lonely at times, but they are so endlessly patient and forgiving with humans. It feels like God made them special for us...like living, breathing angels on earth.
2. In your experience, what’s the most fulfilling moment or accomplishment you’ve had while working with horses?
While working with horses, one of my biggest accomplishments dates back to my heart horse, Jet, who was an OTTB gelding. He was incredibly traumatized with both hard tying and trailer loading from his prior owner experiences. I had him for 11 years and before he passed away in 2016. We spent the last few years of his life really focusing on his trailer loading confidence and by the end of his life he and I bonded in confidence together so much that I wholeheartedly trusted him with my life and he trusted me with his. What helped with his trailer loading confidence was patience and using food in training. At the time, I did not know anything about positive reinforcement nor did I realize that's what I was actually doing. But that ultimately is what helped him trust me through the trailer training process. I was able to trailer him to multiple locations for trail rides and arena practice rides. He was and always will be my greatest accomplishment in horse ownership and training because he taught me to listen and empathize. I only wish I knew more about what positive reinforcement training was back then to have helped him more and sooner.
3. For someone just starting their journey with horses, what’s the first piece of advice you would give them to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience?
I love this question! I would say for someone just starting their journey with horses, make sure they give their horses 24/7 access to Friends, Forage, and Freedom. If they prioritize the horse, the horse will feel safe and more willing to connect and engage. Aside from that, we owe it to them anyway to provide what they need in our domesticated world.
4. If you could sit down for a conversation with any horseman or horsewoman—past or present—who would it be and why?
I would love to sit down with Rachael Draaisma! I admire her research and work in education of equine body language. There would be many more ethically-minded horse owners and trainers with the education she offers
Thank you, Kelsey!
Welcome back to Must Love Horses. Here’s to learning about each other's love for horses. I hope you join the blog's journey ahead. Check out more interviews: