Melanie’s Blog

Wyoming Wranglers

Wyoming Wranglers

Jamie Caton, Katharine Heller, Robyn Miller, Elena Smith, me, Buck, and Harriet McFadden -  some of our group I just returned from a wonderful experience at Buck Brannaman’s ranch in Sheridan, Wyoming.  He and his daughter Reata invited a group of top hands to start...

read more
World Cup Finals on NBC this Sunday

World Cup Finals on NBC this Sunday

McLain in center of podium with Romain Duguet of France on his right as second place finisher and Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden in third to McLain’s left. Tune in and relive the excitement this Sunday, April 9th, at 1 PM Eastern Time!  Two hours of Dressage and Show...

read more
FEI World Cup Finals

FEI World Cup Finals

Listen to Melanie's and Francie Steinwedell Carvin's live commentary for the FEI World Cup Finals this Sunday at 2:00PM Central Time.  Their commentary, heard by the spectators in the arena, can also be listened to by those at home by downloading the free app "FEI...

read more
Surrounded by Nature at Sweet Briar

Surrounded by Nature at Sweet Briar

What a fun weekend I had giving a clinic at Sweet Briar College in Virginia.  Many of the riders attend either Sweet Briar or nearby Lynchburg College and are getting ready for Regional and National Championships.  Other participants came from around the state.  ...

read more
Riding in the Rain

Riding in the Rain

What fun to give a clinic to the Pony Club on Oahu! They are real troopers riding in the rain for two days with no complaints. Thanks to everyone for hanging in there! Pictured is Amy Quinlan who kindly organized everything and her student Barrett Whitesell.

read more
A Sunny Reunion

A Sunny Reunion

I just returned from the annual AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) convention held this year in Orlando.  I have been fortunate to attend for the past 20 years as a guest of Dr. Marv Beeman who was Calypso’s vet during his competition years. Marv is a...

read more
Never Stop Learning

Never Stop Learning

Steve, Robyn,  Buck, Harriet, me, and my niece Elena “You can't go to a tack shop and buy your way out of poor horsemanship!" This is one of my favorite quotes from Buck Brannaman. I just returned from Buck's clinic this past weekend in Shelbyville, Tennessee. I...

read more
An Exciting Finish at the Gold Cup

An Exciting Finish at the Gold Cup

Tune in and/or set your recorders to NBC Sports, Sunday Oct. 16 at 1:30 pm EDT to watch  the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League qualifier at the American Gold Cup. Riders are trying to secure their ticket to the  prestigious World Cup Finals in...

read more
FYI… IEA is Special

FYI… IEA is Special

Lindsay Yinger, Otterbein coach, Jeff and Megyn, riding team members flanking me, Kari Briggs, Business manager I just returned from the “Core” clinic for IEA members at Otterbein University near Columbus, Ohio given in conjunction with the USHJA. I was the lead...

read more
Showtime in New York City

Showtime in New York City

At the Central Park House show for NBC Sports with Randy Moss, who also provided the commentary with me for the Rio Olympics.  Always a pleasure to work with Randy and Carr-Hughes Productions. Be sure to watch the Rolex Central Park Grand Prix on NBC Sports this...

read more
Rolex GP Rocks the Park

Rolex GP Rocks the Park

The course tonight at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show was set by Olympic course designer Guillerme Jorge. Ten horses were clear for the jump off.  Jimmy Torano on his 8 yr old Day Dream bested the large field of contenders to win the title. Central Park is such a...

read more
A Walk in the Park… Central Park that is!

A Walk in the Park… Central Park that is!

  The Central Park Horse Show got underway tonight for the Jumpers with a speed class.  All horses were required to show to be eligible for the Grand Prix tomorrow. This is probably a good thing as the ring is quite an eye opener with the NYC skyline in the...

read more
Off to the Gold Cup

Off to the Gold Cup

I am headed to the Old Salem Farm in North Salem, New York, for the American Gold Cup/Longines World Cup Qualifier on Sunday, September 18. Looking forward to watching the competition and commentating for NBC Sports which will air the next day on September 19. And...

read more