In 2021, breeder Lisha Leeman of the Kellythorpe Stud achieved her lifelong ambition of breeding a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winner. Not only did her beloved Kellythorpes Obsession capture the riding horse championship with her son-in-law, Frazer Atherden, but her 128cm show pony Kellythorpes Tiny Dancer won her class with Cate Kerr before standing reserve children’s riding pony of the year.
Ahead of the 2022 Showing Special (24 March issue), H&H went to visit Lisha and her family to see what goes on behind the scenes at the Kellythorpe Stud.
Home of HOYS champion
Kellythorpe Stud - Frazer riding in School
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)
Frazer Atherden, who is married to Lisha’s daughter, Janay, schools 2021 riding horse of the year Kellythorpes Obsession (Bam Bam), who is Lisha’s pride and joy.
“It’s not every day you get to see your son-in-law trot the centre line at HOYS on your home-bred,” says Lisha.
Stables fit for champions
Kellythorpe Stud -
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)
The Leeman’s yard is based in Essex. The stables are filled with both show and breeding horses, carefully selected and produced for their genetics.
The tack room
Kellythorpe Stud -
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)
No competitive yard is complete without an ultra-organised tack room where bridles and saddles can be accessed with ease.
Welcome to Kellythorpe
Kellythorpe Stud -
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)
Lisha has an eye for the dramatic, as displayed in the rosettes and sashes offered in the Leeman-sponsored classes as well as in some of the features at home, including the glamorous entrance gates.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Team Kellythorpe
Kellythorpe Stud -
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)
Lisha is quick to praise her hard working and knowledgable team for the successes of the stud and show horses.
“I’m so proud of my team and we all have the same opinion and outlook on showing,” says Lisha.
The next generation
Kellythorpe Stud - Youngstock out in fields
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)
Lisha tends to youngstock out in the field. Lisha also has three grandchildren; her future jockeys for her future champions.
Travelling in style
Kellythorpe Stud -
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)
Kellythorpe have two Oakley Horseboxes, including an Oakley Supremacy which was custom made for the team in 2021.
One to watch
Kellythorpe Stud - Frazer riding in School
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)
Frazer puts riding horse Caunton Devil De Hus through her paces. The mare stood supreme champion on her ridden debut last year.
Dream team
Kellythorpe Stud - Frazer and Janay (Rht) in school
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)
Janay and Frazer, who have two children together, share Lisha’s passion for the stud.
Prized possessions
Kellythorpe Stud - Leesha with Michael Gray Memorial Trophy
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)
Lisha shows Bam Bam his prize — The Michael Gray Memorial Trophy — he scooped at HOYS 2021.
Lisha and her husband, Richard, have also injected considerable amounts of sponsorship into the showing world, including through the Kellythorpe Leading Breeder and Kellythorpe Leading Sire of the Year at HOYS.
A relaxed atmosphere
Kellythorpe Stud -
(Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)
The horses at Kellythorpe enjoy a varied life, and it shows in their outlook in the ring.
Don’t miss the full interview in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine, out now.
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoythe magazine deliveredto your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access ouronline servicethat brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
