Melonie Kessler
May 25, 20212 min read
Dressage Training With Over 40 Years Of Experience And Dedication
Hello and welcome! My name is Melonie Kessler and I am a Dressage trainer, clinician, competitor and USEF “S” judge. I have trained and shown horses through Grand Prix earning USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medals. I have also coached and trained clients to earn their medals through the Gold. I have qualified horses at all levels for regional or national Championships, including Grand Prix.
I graduated from Pleasant Hollow Farms’ Horse Career School
in Pennsylvania with a diploma in riding, teaching, training, and stable management and have over 40 years of experience in teaching and training.
I have ridden with some of the top Dressage clinicians in the industry. My program is adapted to the horse and rider at a level comfortable for both, using the training pyramid when teaching. I love to encourage all students to be familiar with the criteria within the levels.
As a clinician, I explain from the judges' viewpoint the movements and the way the scores are earned. A belief that a dialogue between the riders, auditors, and myself is important during the clinic to further understand the training process.
My philosophy in teaching and in training is to always show respect to the horse. At no time is compromising the horse mentally or physically permitted to achieve a result.
“The rewards of training horses comes at the end of each day, not at the end of the show”
Scheduling At Your Facility
I have taught clinics throughout the US including Alaska and Hawaii. I am available to come to your facility to help riders from training level to Grand Prix. Having ridden and trained all breeds of horses I will work with each rider to help meet their goals.
As an “S” judge, I will bring over 20 years of judging experience to each lesson to help riders better improve their understanding of the criteria and scoring in dressage competitions.
The “ride a test clinics” are very popular as the feedback is from my “S” level education. This allows me to help riders from Intro thru Grand Prix.
Training Level - Grand Prix
My training and teaching bring over 40 years of experience in instructing and training a variety of horse breeds and rider skills.
The emphasis of my program is on the classic principals of balance and harmony resulting in willing cooperation between horse and rider.
Riders and owners in the program understand that training and learning take time and realistic goals are met with both patience and education.
Programs for training are as follows:
Full training • 1/2 training • Lessons
Training programs can be customized for your personal needs
Please contact me for prices
Teaching Students and Clinic Riders
One of my biggest passions is helping teach my students to become better at this amazing sport.
I have taught many students over the course of my career with one common goal in mind, the advancement of skill to be in better harmony with our horses. Riding success begins with good horsemanship, and an understanding of the horses’ mind and body.
I have helped many students achieve their individual goals, whether they are medals, championships, or just the enjoyment of their partner.
As a bonus, some great friendships are made through riding!
Riding For You or With You
I have been competing in horse shows for nearly 50 years and dressage competitions for 40 years. I have a passion for competing as it allows me to evaluate my training against the ideal and my peers.
Both my students and I enjoy working through the levels and meeting our goals in either all-breed awards, USDF medals or just placing in the class. I believe goal setting is important and encourage my students to set realistic goals each season.
I am available for competition sale horses or sponsorship as I continue to work toward my personal goals.
"S" Judging Availability
I have been judging for over 25 years and am proud to say I trained my Grand Prix partner LA Baltic Moon, on my journey to the “S” promotion.
Being a USEF licensed dressage judge is an honor and a privilege. I take judging very seriously and enjoy the many local, state, regional, and national championship shows I have officiated.
I continue to balance my training business and my judging schedule as I have done for 25 years.
Buying and Sales
I have traveled throughout the country to assist riders in searching for the best possible fit for either their enjoyment or for competition.
I have a network of well established, credible breeders and sale barns to explore. Utilizing my experience with riding, training, and teaching, I take pride in matching horse and rider for a successful partnership.
When I sell a horse for a client I am honest and forthcoming and will not represent a horse I feel not safe, or sound.
Melonie Kessler Dressage INSTAGRAM