Melissa is a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) certified instructor in both English and Western disciplines. She has had a lifelong love for horses. Melissa started riding in Southern California. After taking time away from horses to start a family, Melissa has been training and showing locally in Hunter/Jumpers.
Melissa specializes in working with beginner riders; fostering an environment to learn strong horsemanship skills while remaining safe and having fun.
When she’s not teaching, Melissa can be found at the barn hanging out with her off the track thoroughbred, Havasu. Outside of barn life, she enjoys being in the outdoors and traveling with her husband and children.
Mission and Focus
My program focus is foundational basics. My clients are anyone interacting with horses for the first time to beginning cantering. My program has groundwork and classroom components in addition to riding. My hope is to bring up equestrians, not just riders.
That being said, I want my students to be able to graduate from my program with the basic skills of an independent seat, following hands, and secure leg. Whether they go on to trail riding for pleasure, jumping, dressage, or western events, I want them to be good, capable partners to their equine counterparts.
I chose my business name to represent who I am and what I want to instill into my riders. It is simply and most importantly to be good, honest partners to our horses that owe us nothing but give us their trust and love.
Honorable Horsemanship
Our Amazing Herd
Party on Havasu
“Goober” “Snavvy” “Sir Eats a Lot”
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age: 8
Havasu is Melissa’s personal horse. Havasu has been pursuing his off track career for the past 3 years. He is as honest and brave as they come. Available only for advanced riders.
Starlight
“Pretty Girl”
Breed: American Paint Horse
Age: 16
Starlight is SO sweet. She is comfortable at all gaits. She rides English and Western. She is a great partner from lead line through canter work. Starlight is a queen.
Aspen
“Hay Girl” “Mamasita”
Breed: American Paint Horse
Age: 14
Aspen is a fabulous mare. She is wonderful for lead-line and intermediate lessons.
Fiona
“Princess Fiona” “Fifi”
Breed: Pony
Age: 11
Fiona is a pony owned by one of my students who kindly lets her be used in lessons. She is as sweet as they come. She is patient and kind. She loves to end lessons with hugs from her riders and “good girl treats.”