Julien's Journal November 2015 (Volume 40, Number 11) | Page 45

Kenny and his grandson, Matt, wait patiently for the parade to get underway.

special precaution. In addition, his grandson Matt Kelly has become his number one
“brakeman” riding shotgun and assisting
with the team.
Like any true horse whisperer, Kenny says
he can tell when the horses get nervous. As
a handler – and he’s handled up to a team
of 12 horses – it’s important, he says, to
have strong hands and arms. “My horses
are very well behaved, but like any horse,
they can get spooked. You can tell how a
horse feels. I don’t worry about the horses, I
worry about the people,” he said. But above

all, he has come to be able to read their
behaviors, their actions, and body language
very well. From the most subtle changes
in facial expressions, drooping lower lips,
ear movements, the flick of a tail, stamp
of a foot, to rolling eyes, and rearing, the
horse’s entire language of communication
is expressed in clear terms for those who
learn to interpret it.
“Don’t get me wrong,” said Kenny admittedly, “I’ve been kicked, I’ve been bit, I’ve
been stepped on, and I’ve been run over by
horses – but usually by other people!”

Eat More....
Cook Less
HOLIDAY PARTIES
Turkey & Dressing
Italian Beef
BBQ Pulled Pork
PARTY TRAYS
Cheese & Sausage
Cocktail Sandwiches
Meatballs
BBQ Ribs

Despite the risks, Kenny will be the first
to tell you what he enjoys the most about
showcasing his horses.
“I really enjoy the expressions the little
kids get on their faces when they see these
horses,” he shares. “I enjoy talking with
them about the horses. In this day and age,
you can’t hardly touch any animal outside
of a cat or a dog. It’s great to let people
experience the horses by letting them pet
them. As long as there are kids around, I’ll
probably never retire from it.”
Yes, everybody loves a parade. v

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for the holidays.
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Amish Fresh Turkeys

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Family pride, is the secret to our success

731 Rhomberg Avenue / Dubuque IA / 563.583.6589
November 2015  ❖  Julien’s Journal  ❖ 43