About Melissa Smith
Melissa's equestrian background began in South Africa where she started riding at a young age. During college she joined the riding team and competed in hunters, dressage and eventing. After college she also began to compete in show jumping and working equitation.
For 11 years she taught professionally at a large lesson barn Maryland, teaching students of all ages and levels in both dressage and eventing.
Over the past 3 years Melissa has been delving into the world of working equitation, introducing riders and horses to the enjoyment of obstacles, courses and judged shows.
Teaching is her passion and she loves to help riders progress and obtain their individual goals whether they be in competition, confidence or just for the love being with horses and improving their horsemanship.
About Smarty and SmartAlex Equestrian
Originally, he was bought as a 3-year-old to become a hunter jumper.
After competing in the hunter jumper ring he was sold and started fox hunting. Due to health reasons he offered for sale again, and Melissa bought him for eventing.
Melissa competed SmartAlex up to the novice level. Her students competed with him in hunters, dressage, and eventing.
At the age of 21 he moved with Melissa to Virginia, and Smarty is now semi-retired.
Melissa uses him in riding lessons with people of all ages. He has a great sense of humor and often comes across as a “snarky old man” but he loves his people and enjoys his job.
