Buckingham was never not going to be involved in horses as her grandfather and uncle were both trainers, her parents were both involved with the industry, along with an aunty as a jockey.
She rode track work from as early as 15 years of age and has done for much of her life, including on some classy gallopers such as Captain Sonador and Paniagua, among others.
“As soon as I was old enough, I got my licence,” she recalled.
“I had no choice (laughs), I was never not going to be involved in racehorses.
“Once there is one member of your family in it, it is hard not to be involved.”
While winning races and prize money is often the focus of the thoroughbred racing industry, Malliff says most that are involved are horse lovers at heart and take pride in being able to find their former gallopers suitable homes following their days at the track.
“Everybody in racing loves horses, they are the number one thing we think of every morning we wake up because it is where we are heading,” Malliff said.
“When they finish their racing lives, whether it is here at the equestrian or the rodeo or the polocrosse, you love to see the old racehorses and go give them a pat.
“I could not be prouder of Kellie and what she does.
“That is at the track with me or here, or the Off-The-Track horses, or any horse, she is a remarkable horsewoman and I am very proud of her.”
Buckingham and Ramsden Street recently took part in a David Finch showjumping Clinic at Mareeba.
Experienced Equestrian coach Finch says Buckingham’s work with OTT gallopers is critical.
“Kellie has started a lot of Off-The-Track horses and has campaigned them right through and gone up to high levels in our sport,” Finch said.
“Off-The-Track horses are important.
“It is wonderful to see all these wonderful old thoroughbreds doing so well in the sport.”
At jumping clinics in the north of the Sunshine State, Buckingham estimates that at times there is as many as half of the horses who are OTT.
And, that is the same type of scenario with polocrosse, eventing, showjumping, dressage, and barrel racing.
“They are very well used in the showjumping industry,” she said.
“It has always been very thoroughbred oriented in the jumping world.
“It is so important, the Off-The-Track program, and they are a very versatile breed, there is not much you cannot do with a thoroughbred.
“I think Off-The-Track as a program is great.”
Click here to learn more about the Queensland Off-The-Track Program.