Welcome to Hope Equestrian Team Equestrian TEAM
Lesson / Camp Review from Dakota Swift
My daughter has been doing riding lessons and camp with the Hope Equestrian Team now for 4 years! The level of support and patience Melanie has with her is incredible, Claras love for horses and riding has only grown bigger with being a part of the Hope Equestrian Team!! Mel is always looking at what she can do to better help her students and make lesson just as much fun as it is safe! She's dedicated to her work, students and horses and we couldn't imagine riding anywhere else!
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Program Review from Emily Jones
I joined Melanie's team as an experienced adult amateur, looking for an active program in the Ontario Eventing industry. Between her winter clinic series, show season planning meetings, dedication to schooling opportunities, and regular attendance at OEA sanctionned competitions, her program has been a great fit. She goes above and beyond to match you and your goals to a suitable mount, ensuring a confidence building, positive experience. 2024 is truly looking bright!
LESSON- CAMP- AND TRAINING REVIEW
From: Sarah Butterworth- Parent of Charley Butwick
Charley has been riding with the hope equestrian team since 2021. Since that time she has progressed beautifully into the eventing world, and has really come into her own. In 2023 we purchased Comet, aka, Comet amongst the stars. The facility Mel has is amazing. She takes such wonderful care of Comet, and any need he has. I know he is in amazing care with her. When Comet came to us he was going walk, trot, canter (WTC) but had no other skill level. Mel has been training him for a year. He has got his leads, understands shoulder in, he jumps wonderfully, and performs as a high level eventing horse. There is still room for him to grow given his age, but he continues to perform at his best.
As a coach, Melanie is attentive to Charley's needs. Supporting her with her performance anxiety. Coaching her through fear. Bring not only her coach, but one of her biggest cheerleaders.
Melanie just has a way of connecting with kids, and with adults alike, so much so that I am going to start training with her because Melanie's passion just exudes a sense of calm. Charley has progressed so well under Melanie's mentorship.
And can we just take a second to talk about the camp life? Holy!!! the advanced camp is amazing. Char is jumping 2 ft courses, so she is able to be part of this group, and seeing her happiness each day after camp warms my heart. I wish I could attend this camp! The things these kids have the opportunity to do with her I wish I had when I was a kid.
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Training Programs
Program Review from Amelia Perri
Melanie is by far the best riding coach my daughters have worked with. They have been riding with Melanie for a couple of years now. She is a highly skilled and gifted rider and coach and wants her riders to be the best they can be. We have boarded with Melanie and also part boarded and her care and attention to all of the horses is beyond anything I have seen at other barns.
My girls riding skills have improved immensely since joining Melanie’s team. Melanie has the perfect mix of knowing when to gently nudge, encourage and push her students balanced with safety and fun. She has also been a great role model for my daughters in so many ways: team spirit, leadership, work ethic and more. My daughters are hooked - they love being with Melanie and at the barn and with their team mates!