Melanie Smith Taylor
Melanie Smith Taylor became one of only two riders to ever win the Triple Crown of Show Jumping—the American Invitational, the International Jumping Derby, and the American Gold Cup—and the only person to win all three on the same horse. After winning the World Cup Final in 1982, she was named the US Olympic Committee Sportswoman of the Year and inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Two years later, she capped off her show-jumping career with a team gold medal in the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Retiring from active competition in 1987, Melanie has continued to serve the horse world as a clinician, a television broadcaster for events, including the Olympic Games and World Championships, and a recognized judge for hunter/jumpers and hunter seat equitation. She lives in Germantown, Tennessee.
Praise
“Excellent, clearly written (international show jumpers need to be very clear-minded people) step-by-step manual to helping your horse find what a horse needs – peace, balance, comfort – and so, be able to be his best self. l know this is saying a lot – a how-to guide to giving your horse peace? But yeah, that’s pretty much what this is. I loved the way it answers a lot of the questions that sometimes arise when you try doing things with your horse in maybe a new way – from little back-and-forth jaw flexions, to your riding. Lots of useful photos with every exercise. For any of us who follow Buck Brannaman, Dr.Deb Bennett, and the other great, personally modest, true horsemen on Dr.Deb’s list – this book is a find.”—Chamber Musicon, Amazon Review
“Riding With Life by Melanie Smith Taylor is a must have book for everyone interested in horses. Riding With Life teaches us to maximize the relationship with our equine partners to improve the overall performance of every horse we ride. Melanie’s wonderful organization of Riding With Life in four user-friendly Parts, combined with her excellent training skills has produced a masterpiece of horsemanship. Thank you Melanie, for a major literary contribution to the equestrian world!”—Joyce St.James, Amazon Review
Books by Melanie Smith Taylor
