about kph

Kilgetty Performance Horses [KPH] has been established by Michael Read and Melinda Small to share their top-quality performance genetics with fellow competitors and breeders.

Kilgetty Performance Horses is the proud creation of Michael Read and Melinda Small, brought to life by a shared passion for excellence in equine performance and breeding.

Michael has been working with horses since the age of 12, developing his skills through stock work and discovering a deep love for Campdrafting by age 15. Although limited by work and finances, he competed whenever possible. At 26, Michael made the difficult decision to step back from the sport to focus on saving for a bigger dream: to one day own his own property, retire, and invest in the very best horses – not only to compete on, but to breed future champions.

Melinda brings valuable expertise from the thoroughbred industry and plays a vital role in the KPH team. Her dedication ensures every horse is kept in peak condition, both in health and performance, forming the foundation for long-term success.

Together, Michael and Melinda are thrilled to announce the recent acquisition of three top-performing, exceptionally bred mares. These mares are well-known within the performance horse community and require no introduction to those familiar with the sport.

Such mares are rarely offered for sale, and we are deeply grateful to Brett Welsh, Melanie Marshall Welsh, and the entire Allstars Performance family for entrusting us with horses they consider among the best they’ve bred. We fully appreciate how difficult it was to part with them and feel privileged to carry their legacy forward. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—one we simply could not pass up.

We have also now been fortunate enough to have the offer of another outstandingly bred Hazelwood Conman mare in Shaldon Harriett. She has a double cross of Hazelwood Conman’s Mother and will be a great one to have on the truck from now on.

“We believe we now possess not only outstanding competition horses to ride, but also the “mare power” to produce the next generation of champion performance horses.

To share this potential, we will be offering a limited number of embryos for sale each year, giving breeders the opportunity to create their future champions using the stallion of their choice”.

MICHAEL READ & MELINDA SMALL

Purchasing Hazels Gift (Annies Gift x Seligman Spin) has been one of the best decisions we have ever made. She was a stand-out as a 2-year-old and has never faltered a step along the way. She is an athlete through and through, with the brain and style to go with it. We think the world of this young mare and she is passing on her cow, athleticism and cool mind. We are blessed to own her, and are so excited for her future.

We are thrilled to have an Annies Gift x One Stylish Peptos on the way. Exciting times ahead!

GAYLE & MAC SHANN