Mel originally grew up riding out of the Pinehurst Stables, then later bought Foxtrack in 1981 when it was still a race horse facility. She broke and trained thoroughbreds for years on her home track, and was not only a trainer, but also a jockey on both the flat and over fences.
She finally converted the farm into a boarding and lesson facility when she found her love for teaching young riders. In addition, she often traveled as an eventer, showed in the hunter jumper ring, and hosted her own horse trials for many years.
She's been doing this for over 50 years!
Mel is also an avid foxhunter with the Moore County Hounds. She is a staff member, called a whipper-in, and hunts three to four times a week during the season (Sept-March). Due to this, many of her riders become avid foxhunters as well, and are exposed to numerous experiences on horseback within the hunt field.
In addition to horses, Mel is also passionate about Martial Arts. She is a Taekwondoe 9th Degree Grand Master and teaches at the Martial Arts Academy of Southern Pines.