Team Mate #2

After yesterday's whine fest, I figured I should get back to something a bit more horsey.

Let me introduce you to team member #2.  Keep in mind, the numbers have no significance, it's just the way I am putting them out there.

Melissa is the tall one on the right

Meet Melissa Morgan Paul, a.k.a. Superwoman.  I think we all aspire to be her.  Not only is she the tall one of our group (like 5'10" or something) who can reach the top saddle rack in the trailer without having to step up into it, but she is a professional in a very taxing field, the owner of three fantastic ponies, and mother of two of the cutest kids ever (one of which may or may not be planning world domination...or to ride Violet by herself, whichever comes first.)  We won't even go into the fact that she's model gorgeous, sweet as can be and a beautiful rider.

Melissa made her debut in the Prelim division in the late summer/fall of 2014 on On Thin Ice (Ice Man, Icy, occasionally Ice-hole), actually pregnant with her second child, although she didn't tell anyone other than Marcy.  She managed to ride through December, had the baby in January, and was riding again by February, with her next show in March.  That's insanity dedication right there.

As I mentioned, Melissa has three horses.  Ice Man was retired earlier this year and is living a carefree life out on acreage.  He took Melissa from Beginner Novice to the Prelim level.  He is an opinionated, sensitive thoroughbred that had thoroughbred struggles in dressage, but jumped pretty much anything you pointed him at.

Ice Man after success in their first Prelim/Training

When it became apparent that Ice was reaching the end of his eventing career, Melissa went looking for a young horse to hopefully get her more time in the saddle and help her move up the levels.  She ended up purchasing a promising young horse named Sunmaid Q (Raisin).  Unfortunately, while showing a lot of talent to potentially move up the levels, she was a bit small for Melissa, so Marcea took over the ride.  She was campaigned until earlier this year when she suffered an injury.  She is now in rehab.

Cutey Ms. Raisin

That left Melissa with the need for a new partner.  Enter Dynamic Image (Dan the Man) this summer.  You should be able to see an overriding theme here.  Melissa really enjoys spending time trying to remove stains from her competition partners' coats.  Dan has been competed up to the Advanced level with previous owners, and Melissa is looking forward to letting him help her continue on her advance through the levels, with her eye on a 1* at some point.

Melissa and Dan at AECs

AECs

Melissa and Dan on their way to a good finish at Rocking Horse Fall

Melissa is mom to two real cuties.  The oldest is Violet's future rider.  That is, if she hasn't outgrown her by the time she's ready to take over the ride.  Strong-willed, opinionated, smart as a whip and cute as a button, she should be a good match for the red-headed pony.  I look forward to seeing that happen.

Violet's future rider at her first show this summer

So that is Melissa.  The team wouldn't be the same without her offering to help in any way she can, especially the tall reaching things.  I look forward to someday going to a 1* and saying "I know her!" when she wins it all!