Melissa Riggins
Summer 2007

How many years have you been riding?

"As a child I began riding at age seven in Northern Georgia on a ten acre property. Together my dad and I fenced our pastures and graded a flat riding area. I learned to ride on a gaited horse that was small. He had some ground issues and I later got an appaloosa who I rode daily. My dad taught me to ride, muck stalls, groom and feed horses. We bred our mare and had a little appaloosa colt. At eleven I moved back to San Diego and the horses were few and far between for a very long time.
It will be three years this December, that I have been riding at Pathfinder. I’m learning the how and why now formally with some very special teachers."

Which horse has taught you the most?

"Sootie has taught me the most of all the school horses. Although I feel I have learned something unique and valuable from each of them. Sootie has been the most forgiving teacher for me. Sometimes horses teach you about yourself and other times they teach you about them. When I am unsure, he just does what he knows is right. He’s allowed me to make many mistakes and has listened quietly when I finally give clear communication. I feel comfortable trying new things on him because he is patient with me and waits until I can give him the correct signal. He’s so good at his job; he encourages me softly to keep trying. "

What do you love most about riding?

"What I love most about riding is the way I feel when I am with horses. The relationship I share with them whether on the ground or on their back is something special to me. It’s a relationship of understanding and acceptance. When I am with them I am free to focus on just them and myself for the whole time we’re together. Riding at Pathfinder has given me the opportunity to meet some wonderful horses and people. It has rekindled something I loved so long ago."

What would you like to accomplish in the next year?

"I would like to become a more relaxed, neutral rider that has smooth transitions. I would like to not feel the need to over think everything. I would like to smile more through my lessons."

What goal would you like to reach within the next five years?

"Within the next five years, I would like to ride quietly on a variety of horses that are hot or cold, big or small. To not feel the need to over analyze each direction I am given and just do it. To teach beginners to ride from the ground up sharing that special love of horsemanship that continues to bring me pleasure. Jumping crossrails would be something to work towards also."