Originally from Ariss, ON, Kelly’s love of horses began at the age of two, when she won her first ribbon in the lead-line class at a fall fair. From there, she got involved in Pony Club and was active as a working student, then became a trainer and coach, claiming many championships in dressage, pleasure and combined driving along the way. In 2008 she moved to Belgium to take on a working student position. While there, she met her husband, Frank, and they currently own and operate Gendersteyn Stables in Steensel, NED.
Kelly has been a mainstay on the international driving scene for many years, and in 2016 she represented Canada at the FEI World Single Driving Championships in Piber, AUT. Partnered with her nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Flip (Fidertanz x Carprilli), she earned seventh place out of a field of 75 competitors.
Read more at: https://www.equestrian.ca/news/NvT5xz5aujncKEJQg/kelly-houtappels-bruder-fourth-in-fei