Melanie Dudding is a well-established rider on the New Zealand equestrian scene.

She has a warm and charismatic personality with a persuasive appeal that many riders benefit from through her coaching. As lead instructor at her local pony club, Melanie has managed to galvanise her many decades of experience with her motherly instincts to deliver a powerful equine training programme.

The Hawkes Bay-born woman grew up in a large family passionate about horses. As a teenager she competed from her home base in Meeanee where she celebrated numerous show jumping wins on her Silver Grey mount ‘Arrow’. Mel continued to ride at a national level at the NZ Pony Club Championships and also represented New Zealand overseas in both Canada and Japan.

From her Auckland-base, Melanie now commands a small team of horses on the North Island Show circuit. Her passion for the sport and culture well emulated through the name’s of her trusty steads; Country Vogue, Country Zena, Country Dream and Touch of Country.

Just goes to prove that you can take the girl out of the country, but can’t take the country out of the girl.