How did you first get into horse riding, and what made you fall in love with the sport?

I was actually pretty uncoordinated at most other sports, so when I asked mum if I could have riding lessons, it turned out to be the only sport I actually had feel for! I fell in the love with the bond that you share with the horses more than the sport. The horses are so generous and share so much of themselves with us, that this is where my true passion lies, even today.

What does your typical training regimen look like, and how do you adapt it to meet your specific needs as a para-athlete?

It changes week by week, depending on how my body is feeling. I have to do off horse exercises everyday. My body is effectively turning into concrete, so we have a saying that everyday I don’t move, the concrete has set that little bit more. It’s a good motivator to keep going as I can assure you the exercises are very boring and can be quite painful.

When I am feeling good, I try and train the two horses about 4 days a week and outside of that they would hack or have a lunge. It’s super interesting as Quinn, my more experienced horse is amazing to ride but Georgie my little black one, for whatever reason actually relieves my back pain and can free me up. I can’t ride some horses at all but the combination of Quinn and Georgie has been really good.

I have little to no strength in my legs when I ride and I need to ride with two whips, as they effectively replace my legs. I need to ride sensitive horses that are always thinking forward, as they appreciate small aids. Sometimes we do have to adapt the training and someone needs to get on for me and get them in front of the leg. As a rule, there is a lot of adaption to the way things are asked for, due to my condition but the horses learn to adapt to this. I share such an incredible bond with them both, that they try and accommodate to the point of assisting me with my weak areas.

Melissa with Georgie

Can you describe your experience campaigning in Europe to qualify for the Paris Paralympics? What have been some of the highlights and challenges?

It has been incredible training with Spencer Wilton for the last few months. I am based at the Cotswold Club and I could not have come across a nicer more supportive group of people. Everyone at the yard has been on the journey with me and I have been fortunate enough through Spencer’s contacts to have a great team supporting the horses and assisting me get to all the competitions. The British para riders are also really lovely, and I have had so much support from the British at competitions and that things has been a surprising highlight.

It's been amazing to compete against all the world’s best and to place at shows such as Hagen was a dream come true. To know you can place in strong world class fields has been a huge highlight.

The challenges would certainly be the isolation and if I didn’t have the support from people around me in the UK, I can imagine this would even harder. You definitely are on your own. It’s also extremely expensive to compete over here, especially since Brexit so the financial challenges are certainly there.

Can you share your journey into para dressage and what initially drew you to the sport?

I was riding at Grand Prix but as I lost more and more timing with my riding and I started to lose feeling in my legs, sometimes for days in a row, we knew something was very wrong. I was initially drawn to the sport, as I really didn’t feel I was capable of riding in regular classes beyond the lower levels anymore. I have degenerative condition, so I will continue to deteriorate. I am hoping riding and my exercises help slow it down. My tests are actually called Grand Prix A and Gand Prix B. Having been a Grand Prix rider, I thought that was odd at the start, but in reality these tests are my new Grand Prix. They are the maximum I can do with my disability. So whilst I was really devastated for a long time, not to be able to do what I could in the past, I had a new focus and one that really tested me still.

Who are the key people in your support system, and how have they contributed to your success in para dressage?

My coach, Spencer Wilton is a huge support. He was my coach at Grand Prix and has had to adapt to teaching me now. I could not have done this trip without him. I can’t speak more highly of what an incredible coach and human he is.

Sophie Griffiths is also a massive support and I couldn’t do it without her. She is my groom and takes such good care of both the horses and me.

My journey to the UK would not have been possible without the support from my wonderful friend Vicki Macdermid. She has supported me in ways beyond words.

My parents and family are a constant rock, during the tough times and the highlights.

The crew here in the UK are amazing. The team at the Cotswold Club all the way through to my body workers, vet, farrier, horse body workers and transport guy. I am really blessed to have this group of wonderful people behind me.

Competing at a high level can be mentally and emotionally challenging. How do you maintain your mental resilience and stay motivated?

Honestly if people knew the pain I live in each and everyday, you have to be so mentally resilient to just get through life. Many people with my condition, can’t do much at all. I figure if I am going to have a life of pain, then I may as well be in pain doing the things I love. I was only diagnosed in 2021 but I have been unwell since I was 14, so really I have had a lifetime of pushing through huge health challenges over the years.

Competing in Europe and on a horse as brilliant as Quinn is a blessing, so I really don’t get stressed about this. These are the moments to enjoy.

The mental resilience to the financial pressures of embarking on a journey such as this has been much harder. That’s the part that makes your stomach churn and that requires mental resilience to find a path forward.

I’m an intrinsically driven and motivated person. It’s just how I am, so I am always looking for the next challenge.

Melissa with Quinn

What are your favorite Cavalor Equicare products, and why do you prefer them for your horses?

First of all, I would have to say that  ALL Cavalor products work exactly as they say. It might sound like a funny statement but it’s true. There are many products on the market that say they do things, but they don’t even come close to Cavalor.

My favorite day to day supplement for the hot sensitive ones, is Sozen. I like to couple this with Take It Easy at comps. It just allows them to stay calm and focused on you. My black mare is particularly spicy! This combination literally makes her a winner in the ring as she stays with me.

Gastro Aid is also another favorite for those with sensitive tummies. It really helps them feel and look great.

We use LactaTec in different ways but I can honestly say that this in conjunction with Electroliq Balance really supports recovery and was a major contributor for Quinn being able to travel across Europe and perform really well at three international shows in a row. We use Lactatec powder and Electroliq Balance in a mash after work to support his muscle recovery. We also use the Lactatec paste at competitions and when travelling. It keeps them so fresh and feeling so well, it’s a game changer. Quinn got home from Europe looking as bright and perky as ever!

What message would you like to share with aspiring para-athletes and those who might be facing their own challenges?

Discipline. This word has so many meanings to us. I have to be disciplined to keep up all the exercise and support I need for my body, to keep it working as best as I can.

I also need discipline in my riding, as para on the world class stage is all about details. That means you need to execute these flawlessly everyday at home.

There needs to be discipline in your every day training. A good way to think about it, is how do you ride when your coach is not watching? Would you be proud of that if they were watching?

Watch as many of the top athletes as you can on video because I can assure you they are ten fold better than that in person!

Be kind to yourself…. Only you know the pain or challenges you are facing that day. Sometimes that requires discipline to say, I can do this. I can ride today.

I have learnt over the years it can also mean be kind to yourself. Sometimes the best thing you can do is to listen to your body and have a rest.

Looking beyond the Paris Paralympics, what are your future aspirations within or outside of para dressage?

Honestly, I need to get back to work and work on financially recovering. That will be the primary goal for a while. For para dressage, my focus will be on my black mare Duchess DS (Georgie at home). She is a mega talent and has a 70% average in the open classes in Britain. I really want to develop her on for future championships.

 Thank you so much to Melissa for giving us all an insiders exclusive to what it's like to campaign overseas for the Paris 2024 Olympics!

Want to follow Melissa's journey online ? Make sure to follow her on her Instagram : @melcannon2003

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