Along with training and competing, another of Melissa's passions is teaching. She enjoys giving lessons to riders of all ages and levels, as well as coaching students at horse trials.

Melissa has had the opportunity to learn from some of the best instructors over the past several years and she loves passing on the knowledge that she's acquired to her own students.

Melissa currently trains on a regular basis and spends her winters in Ocala, Florida with Cathy Wieschhoff, an advanced level eventer and highly respected instructor and coach from Lexington, Kentucky. Cathy operates Carriage Station Farm in Lexington and has competed nationally and internationally at the highest levels of the sport, including at Rolex in Kentucky and Burghley Horse Trials in England.

Melissa has also been fortunate to receive instruction from many instructors in the last few years, including several lessons and clinics with Ian Stark of Scotland (Olympic medalist) and Holly Hepp of North Carolina (advanced level eventer and Area VIII Young Rider Coach).

Other instructors and clinicians that she has worked with multiple times include:

Jimmy Wofford (several jumping and cross country lessons). Jimmy has been involved in national and international eventing world for many years, has won Olympic medals and has taught and coached hundreds of successful international riders and teams over the years.

Diana Rich, advanced eventer from Cincinnati

Nancy Baker, FEI dressage rider and instructor, Wicklowe Dressage, Cincinnati

Nadeem Noon, advanced eventer, Up-n-Over Stables, Indiana

While riding in an advanced-level ICP workshop in 2007, Melissa had a great learning experience by being able to ride for and observe instruction from:

Bill Hoos, advanced eventer, coach and instructor

Susan Harris, upper level eventer and dressage rider, owner of Spring Run Farm, Louisville

Dorothy Crowell, advanced eventer, coach, instructor from Lexington

Robin Walker, advanced eventer and instructor from Michigan

Martha Lambert, advanced-level eventer and instructor from Kentucky

Susannah Lansdale, upper-level eventer and instructor from Indiana

Contact Melissa to inquire about lesson opportunities. She loves to share all that she's been able to learn from these wonderful instructors.