Detail Specialist
1997 16.2 Bay Appendix Gelding
Maui Jim CIC* 2008
Deacon joined the team in the summer of 2007. He was a sale horse who had only done Quarter Horse competition: Hunter Under Saddle and even some Western Pleasure. But after he impressed us with his big stride, willingness, and jumping abilities, Melissa decided to purchased him herself instead of selling him. And, WOW, has he stepped up to the plate and done everything she’s asked of him, AND MORE!
Rocking HorseIntermediate 2009
The highlights of Deacon’s career include 10th place at the 2007 AECs in Novice Horse after only 6 months as an event horse; five firsts and two seconds in his nine starts in 2008 at Preliminary/1* which included a First Place at Hagyard/Midsouth’s CCI* long-format event, winning Melissa the USEF CCI* Championship; and, because of all those successes, accumulating enough points at Preliminary to also win the 2008 USEA Preliminary Horse of the Year Award and to win, for Melissa, the 2008 USEA Young Adult Preliminary Rider of the Year.
In 2009, Deacon made a successful move up to Intermediate with a first place in his first run and a second place at Maui Jim’s CIC2* in ’09.
In 2010, Deacon and Melissa moved up to Advanced, finishing in third in their first run and completing their first 3*. There are more plans for Advanced for the remainder of the year and 2011. They are excited about the possibilities.
High Finance
2000 16.3 Chestnut TB Gelding
Ocala 2009
Dressage at Maui
Finn also joined the team in 2007. He’s an OTTB, first purchased by a friend, but then recommended to Melissa because of his athleticism, attitude, and potential. He has made huge strides in his maturity and training; he has a ton of talent, lots of scope, but needs to move at a bit slower pace than his brother, Deacon. He moved up to Preliminary in 2009 with a first place in his second run at Rocking Horse. He tried a few Intermediates in 2010, but Melissa decided he needed more time so has moved him back down to Preliminary to give him that confidence and time.
He has received lots of compliments on his flatwork and especially his jumping. And he is definitely one of the most social fellows we’ve had in the barn–loves attention and to be right in the middle of things!
Fiona: No Team is Complete without a Cute Dog!
2008 Parson Russell Terrier; Brillwood Forever Yours
Fiona joined us in September 2008. She’s a barn and horse show dog extraordinaire! Lots of energy and loves to run around cross country courses and jump in the water jumps. She’s known by many other affectionate names: Wiggles, Buns, FiFi, among others!