FT WALTON BEACH, FL

As a teenager Melissa spent most of her time on the back of a horse trail riding western in the summers.  She rode some hunter/jumper in her early twenties and then stopped riding to dedicate her time to her kids when they were little.  She didn't pick riding up again until 2004 when she purchased Prism. Prism is a 17 year old 17.2 hands, dark bay, Oldenburg gelding bred in Hume Virginia, which was just up the road from where Melissa lived.  Prism was 8 years old when Melissa purchased him.  She had just been introduced to dressage when she got Prism so all all of her dressage training and all scores have been with Prism.  He had no real training other than just basic walk, trot, canter and trail riding when Melissa got him so they have definitely been on the Dressage journey together, learning as they go. Melissa kept Prism at her barn at home in Virginia.  Even though she had a trainer, she rode pretty casually the first few years she had him.  She took lessons regularly but also did a lot of trail riding.  “I was just starting to school first level when I got to Jodie's in September of 2010 so she really is responsible for bringing us along through the levels.”  said Melissa.  “Obviously being in Jodie's barn surrounded by that quality and level of riding definitely upped my focus and dedication.” In 2012, Melissa and Prism qualified for the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships in the Adult Amatuer division at both 1st and 2nd Level. Melissa earned the final score needed for the USDF Bronze Medal aboard Prism in 2013 and returned to the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships for the second time competing at both 2nd and 3rd Level.  The pair captured sixth place in the AA Second Level Championships and ninth place in the AA Third Level Championship missing the ribbons by only 1/2 point. She has qualified for the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships at 3rd Level and is currently competing with Prism at 4th Level in the Adult Amateur Division. Jodie has really helped Melissa and Prism realize their potential and they are not done yet! Accomplishments 2014 Qualified for USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships at Third Level in the Adult Amateur Division 2013 Awarded USDF Bronze Medal 6th place at Second Level and 9th place at Third Level at the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships in the Adult Amateur Division 2012 Competed for the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships in the Adult Amateur Division at both First and Second Level