With a degree in Nursing, Dover Oaks trainer Melissa Cole brings a special fondness for working with children and adults at many levels in a caring and compassionate way. Melissa brings 18 years of horsemanship experience to the job. Prior to joining Dover Oaks, Melissa was training young children the fundamental of riding and training green horses.

With her time training horses, she has had the opportunity to work with young, very green horses off the track, stubborn ponies and difficult horses throughout her career. Her last project was a 6-year pasture pet and within six months received a third and a forth in Low Jumpers. Melissa does an excellent job training riders to become effective horsemen. With the ability to ride the horse, it allows Melissa to better coach the rider to work with the horse through difficult obstacles.

As a teen, Melissa was a very successful Children/Adult Jumper, traveling the circuit from Ohio to Kentucky. At Dover Oaks, Melissa enjoys the relaxed atmosphere and the multitude of activities the farm has to offer.