Meet Melanie Marion

My love for horses started as soon as I could walk. I grew up on a little hobby farm in Tiny, and had my first riding lesson at Clear Round Equestrian when I was 5 years old. From there, I’ve worked and ridden at many wonderful barns and owned several horses. Riding horses was not only my hobby, but became my lifestyle! 

After being away for school and moving a couple times in the last few years, I’m back living in Tiny on my own little farm with my partner, Jason. And I’m thrilled to be back having the opportunity to work in the area I grew up!

QUALIFICATIONS:

 University of Guelph’s Equine Care & Management Program Diploma 

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 Instructor's Certification Complete & teaching lessons over the past decade.

SERVICES:

Emma will also be providing lessons to our beginner level riders. 

My name is Charlene and I have over 40 years of experience in the horse industry. My first memory of horses was at this farm in 1975 when my father boarded his 2 thoroughbreds here. I was hooked! I started taking riding lessons, trail riding and then purchased my first horse when I was 16. I have since owned, leased, or rescued dozens of horses along the way. 

Over the years I taught lessons at several different facilities in southern Ontario, and loved it! But in 2012 I moved back to this area after being away for 25 years and settled down in Victoria harbour. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to work along side, and ride with so many great coaches and trainers all my life including in this area. I am extremely passionate about training, riding, and caring for horses.

QUALIFICATIONS:

I attended Humber College equine studies program in 1987/88 and then went on to work at Woodbine racetrack. 

I continued on to start my own boarding & lesson barn in Oakville, ON. We hosted camps, clinics, and hunter jumper shows! Some of my students were competing on the A circuit and even a few ponies made it to the Royal. During that time I also completed all my rider levels & became a certified English riding instructor. 

My name is Clara and I have been riding horses for almost 5 years now. My first time on a horse was when I went to a summer riding camp. I was in a group with friends who all rode, so I thought Id check it out. I really loved it and wanted to come back the following summer. In the fall of the following year, I started taking lessons at a barn in Stouffville.I stayed at that barn for 2 years before I moved to Halifax. In Halifax, I was at a beautiful barn where you could see the ocean from the outdoor arena. 

I have ridden many horses who have all taught me a lot, but there was one gelding who taught me the most, a chestnut named Phil. After my year in Halifax I moved to my cottage in Tiny. It was difficult to find a barn here at first. I had to try a few different ones, but none gave me the right feeling. That was until I came to Hope Equestrian. From the first lesson I knew that Mel loved what she does and will always support you when challenges occur. 

I have learned so much over the past months and have had a lot of riding dreams come true. I've been lucky to be able to part board two amazing horses so far and have the opportunity to ride in many clinics. This is definitely one of my favourite places to be and I love that I have been made part of this team! 

I am an animal lover and wildlife enthusiast who grew up here in Simcoe County. Whether I was searching for frogs, volunteering with horses, or working with vet clinics, I have always filled my time with caring for animals. 

I have 15 years of experience working with horses, wildlife and exotic animals. While previously I have worked extensively in health care, I am currently pursuing my degree in commerce and focusing my endeavours in the equestrian world! 

I'm so excited to be part of the Hope Equestrian Team, working with such amazing teammates and having the opportunity to introduce my two young children to more of this incredible lifestyle!"

Hi my name is Alex and I have been a part of the Hope Equestrian team 7+ years. I started ridding horses when I was only 8 years old and my passion grew as I got older. 

Now I compete at the Pre-Training level and part-board a beautiful grey mare named Elie. In the future I would love to complete my Instructor's Licence and be able to teach the next generation to come! 

I enjoy all aspects of what it takes to make a successful team and would love to create one of my own one day!