MME Team


Melissa

Melissa has been committed to horses and the sport of eventing since she was 9 years old when she competed in her first mini-trial, winning both individual and team gold in the 18-inch division with a little palomino pony. She has since continued on an upward path with her horses and her dedication to learning everything she can about horsemanship, training, and teaching. She has brought along all her competition horses herself, working her way up to the Advanced/CCI3* level in Eventing. She also loves teaching lessons, coaching students, and sharing all she’s learned with clients and also enjoys training young horses and helping them reach their potential.

⇒Accomplishments/Qualifications

3-Star/Advanced Competitor
Gradute B Pony Clubber
USEA Preliminary Young Rider of the Year, 2008
Area VIII Intermediate Rider of the Year, 2009
USEA Blue Ribbon Award, Intermediate, 2009
NAJYRC Silver & Bronze Medals and Placements, 2005 and 2006
USEA National 1-Star (long-format) Champion, 2008
American Eventing Championships, Qualified every year since its inception

Fiona: The Team Dog

Fiona (Brillwood Forever Yours) is a 2008 Parson Russell Terrier who loves to go everywhere Melissa does–the barn, horse trials, and especially loves to walk cross country courses and jump in the water jumps. Also affectionately known as “Wiggles” cause she does a lot of it, she can be seen pretty much everywhere the MME team goes.

Current Competition Horses


High Finance

Finny is a 2000 Thoroughbred who joined the team in 2007. He was purchased off the track by a friend, but was then recommended to Melissa because of his athleticism and potential. Melissa has slowly brought him along, and now he’s competing at the Intermediate/2* level and plans are to move him up to Advanced in 2013. He is quite the character around the barn–affectionate and a bit quirky! We almost lost in him summer of 2011 after he contracted Potomac Horse Fever and the accompanying laminitis, but with the help of Hagyard Equine and our local vet, Dr. McFadden, he fought and is back to his former self and ready to rock.

⇒Highlights of Finn’s Career

2012 CCI2*
2010 2nd place Preliminary 3-Day Event
2010 Area IV Preliminary Champion
Hagyard Preliminary 3-Day Event, 2nd place, 2010


Detail Specialist

Deacon is a 1997 Appendix Quarter Horse who joined the team in 2007 after his career in Hunter Under Saddle and Western Pleasure in the Quarter Horse world! He was originally a horse that she was to sell for a client, but then, impressed with his big stride and jumping abilities, Melissa decided to purchase him herself. He did everything that was asked of him and more. Melissa brought him up to the Advanced/3-star level by 2010 with many awards along the way. He’s ready to slow it back down now after his 3* career and is for sale but is currently on a year-long lease to a Young Rider so she can do the 2013 NAJYRC.

⇒Highlights of Deacon’s Career

CCI and CIC 3-Stars 2010, 2011
USEA Preliminary Horse of the Year, 2008
USEA National 1-Star Champion (long-format), 2008
10th place, 2007 American Eventing Championships, Novice Horse

Past Competition Horses


Brother Thomas

Thomas is 2003 OTTB that was given to Melissa by his breeder/owner in 2009 after retiring from racing. He is a little 15.3h powerhouse. She brought him up to the Preliminary level before selling him early in 2012. He is absolutely a blast to run on cross country.


Scotchfelder’s Fancy

Scotch is a 1989 Trakehner/TB gelding that Melissa brought up to the Intermediate/1* level. He was her Young Rider horse and is now, at 23 years of age, still running around Novice courses teaching riders the ropes.


One Below Zero

Zero was a very special fellow, a 2000 OTTB purchased for a mere $700 in 2006, who was with us all too briefly. Melissa brought him along to Preliminary but he shattered his leg in a pasture accident. He will always be remembered for his sweet nature.