Kris McConnell Memorial Fund

On Wednesday the 7th of June, the Colorado horse community lost a truly amazing woman, Kris McConnell. The outpouring of support for the McConnell’s has been incredible and the tributes many have shared are so touching. It only takes a second to realize that Kris opened her heart to the 100s of students she taught over the years. She was seen by many as a second mother and was a friend to all. I don’t think one person can summarize what Kris meant to all of us, so I thought it only right to share some of the memories from the people she impacted so greatly:

 “She was kind, talented, and an inspiration to so many. Always there to greet you with a smile. She had a way of making you feel comfortable when you were around her. But most importantly she was an incredible mom. Her love and passion for this sport and these horses came out in them.”

 “She taught me and so many others to ride, love horses, and love life. Her family created a wonderful, amazing environment and community where I met so many of the people I call friends and family today and a place I called home.”

 “You ignited a fire in my heart for horses and that passion is still as strong. Your heart and love for your Coventry family has been nothing but unconditional. I will never, ever forget you and what you have done for me. You are such a beautiful soul.”

  “She was a wonderful lady who gave me moments of true freedom especially when she would let me trot because it was the only time when I could let go of the fact that I can't see.”

“What an amazing couple, such down deep good people. Everyone who has ever met Kris and Jim are better people for knowing them.”

“Kris McConnell a mother, a horsewoman, an idol; your compassion and passion permeated the lives you touched. To the many you trained and took under your wing, to the golden afternoons watching you on the big field at Indio with Tiny Town, to your beautiful, talented children, to your big heart nothing can outshine the love you brought into our lives and hearts.”

“You taught me to ride but more importantly sparked courage, belief, and a passion for horses in me that will never fade. You believed in every rider you taught and never gave up on anyone. You always picked me up when I fell and inspired me to never give up.”

 “She taught me to always get back on. She told me it was ok to cry when I fell. She also taught me how to overcome fears in asking me "what's the worst that could happen? “

“We are blessed to have loved and learned with Kris. We are better people because of the experiences we had with her.”

 “Thank you seems inconsequential to what you have done. You left this earth way to early but your impact was truly worthy.”

 “Thank you, Kris McConnell, for being a shining light in this world and touching so many lives with your unconditional love.”

 “Thank you for always being there when I was scared. Thank you for picking me up off the ground when I fell. Thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Most importantly, thank you for treating me as one of your own kids. You are going to be greatly missed.”

 “Kris, you were my idol growing up and I looked forward to every minute I got to spend with you. You knew me better than I knew myself and was always there for me. I feel truly blessed…Thank you for your guidance, your love, your support, your smile and above all else your passion for teaching all of us. As without you, not one of the girls you taught would have grown into the wonderful women they are today.”

 And finally, from Emily, “I am a bit overwhelmed with everybody's kind words and love. Thank you all so much. We are all so lucky to have known my mama. She is amazing… There are no words to describe how I am feeling after losing my mom. But what I can describe is the positive impact she had on all of her students”

 Kris touched so many lives and asked for almost nothing in return. Now more than ever, her family needs our help. Please give what you can, as no amount is too big or too small. The money raised will go towards medical bills, the memorial service and to help the McConnell’s in general.

 Thank you for your generosity.