David Ziegler - Trainer

Having worked alongside Melanie in many different capacities, I've always been impressed by her professionalism, her care for the horses, and the care she has for her clients. Horses and riders immediately connect with her kind nature and are always happy to see her!

I look forward to seeing what the future holds for her!

Susan D.C. - Client

I have been working with Melanie for about 2 years now. She is one of the best trainers I have worked with. She is very knowledgeable and very patient - with both horse and rider. It was really interesting to watch the transformation in my horse when Melanie started working with us. When she hopped on him it was not long before he started pricking his ear and actually listening to her “question”  and then making the effort to answer correctly as she patiently explained to him what she wanted. He is now a much more pleasurable horse to ride! He no longer fights me and is very willing and happy. I never knew a trainer could have so much influence on a horse’s overall attitude and behavior!  I am an adult rider who rides for pleasure. I do not show, but still have chosen to be in a full training program with Melanie. In this capacity, she gives me lessons several times a week and also schools/“tunes up” my horse on a  weekly basis. This works well for us. It is helping my horse learn and understand the proper way to do the movements and helping me progress as a rider.

There is a very big misconception among non-competing riders, that you must be showing to work with a trainer- and that a trainer expects you to show. In Melanie’s case at least, this is not true!  Although she is excellent at helping riders that show perform better,  she is equally happy to help riders like me who simply want to learn to ride better and to have a better relationship with their horse.

I am very glad that I started working with Melanie and plan on working with her for many years to come. I highly recommend her to anyone who wants to become a better rider - whether you choose to show or not.

Dr. Courtney Martin, D.V.M.

As the trainer for multiple of our clients, Melanie has been great to work with from a veterinarian prospective. She pays very close attention to detail and notices subtle changes with the horses in her care.  Melanie is a great communicator, keeping both her clients and the veterinarian in the loop with any relevant medical changes. She also provides regular updates regarding horse’s in rehabilitation programs to make sure that things are progressing smoothly and that no changes need to be made.  I feel confident that when Melanie is managing a horse following a veterinary visit that recommendations will be followed and that she will communicate about any issues or questions that arise.

Kim H. - Client

My family and I had the absolute pleasure of training with Melanie in 2015-2016.  Melanie taught myself, my 3 children and all 4 of us have very different personalities and abilities!

I was always amazed with how Melanie was able to explain riding in a way that made sense to each of us.  Her knowledge and experience is evident in working with her. She could explain something to my 5 year old in a manner she would understand and then explain something to me in a way that made sense, explain why and how it worked.

Her vast knowledge and enthusiasm of the sport and of the horses was infectious to all of us. She is not only an accomplished rider in her own right she’s also an amazing teacher which are two VERY different things. She loves sharing her knowledge and experience. Many people can ride but being able to teach what you can do and know is a very different talent and she excels at doing this with a range of personalities, ages and skill sets!

I had the pleasure of purchasing my first horse with Melanie. The process was fun, informative and successful. One trip to look at a horse Melanie took a small detour and walked me around a cross-country course. At the time I was a new rider, I had never seen anything like that! She couldn’t wait to walk me around the course and explain banks, water, the difference between the levels. It was thrilling for me to see and I was grateful for the experience and insight she had to share with me.

Unfortunately our riding with Melanie was cut short when our family moved. However, Melanie has become a dear friend. For the past 5 years I have continued to ask her guidance and opinion on all matters horse related. Her knowledge and passion never ceases to amaze me.

Melanie is a true Equestrian to the core. She loves the horses she rides and cares deeply about their training, health and well-being. She is so passionate about those she teaches as well giving massive amounts of thought to their goals and how to get them there. 

Jessica R. - Client

Having someone of Melanie’s abilities within driving distance has allowed me to work consistently with my horses under trustworthy supervision.

Melanie’s support was reflected in my dressage scores going up 10 percentage points.

She is able to go through challenges with my horses, drama free, and is always supportive of my goals as well as pushing me safely out of my comfort zone.

She puts my long-ass hair into a bitchin hairnet.

Renee E. - Client

Melanie and I began working together in 2018, it has been wonderful! 

My horse Zidane has become more comfortable and balanced.  This has been achieved with strengthening and suppling exercises.  He truly enjoys his work! 

Additionally I have seen improvements in my riding resulting in Zidane and I being a stronger team.  These are a direct result of Melanie's riding and training skills. 

It has been a joy working with Melanie and I am looking forward to continuing our partnership! 

Tina H. - Client

I had the pleasure of working with Melanie in 2017. 

I took lessons with Melanie in Cazenovia, NY and I noticed tremendous improvement in my riding skills. She was able to explain the "needs" of my horse and how we could improve our relationship. Most importantly, she taught me how to develop a more independent seat, to relax, and have fun!

She is a professional - combined with a warm and encouraging personality - she really tailored a functional lesson program around me and my lesson horse.

She is fun, can take a joke, and simply a pleasure to be around!