Sunrise Stables Riding Academy

The Sunrise Stables Riding Academy is a “first riding academy of its kind” in the nation featuring saddle seat riding lessons and camps for beginner through advanced riders of all ages, college courses in the equine studies, an annual clinic series for Amateur Riders and Amateur Owner Trainers of the American Saddlebred, unique programs such as “Horses and Homework After School Program” and research programs designed to promote the American Saddlebred horse.  In addition, Sunrise initiated the first Intercollegiate Saddle Seat Riding Association (ISSRA) and the Interscholastic Riding Association (IRA).  The ISSRA and IRA are the only associations offering saddle seat riding competitions for college students and 2nd graders through 12th graders, respectively.   The Academy promotes the Saddlebred by offering quality riding instruction for some of the nation’s most talented riders and riding lessons and camps for Saddlebred enthusiasts living in the local community and throughout the world.

The Lexington, Kentucky area being the home of so many highly respected saddle seat riding lesson programs and American Saddlebred training barns, inspired the development of a high quality yet very unique riding program catering to several distinctly different types of people.  Melissa Moore and her partner Dr. Sally Haydon officially opened the Sunrise Stables Riding Academy at Sunrise Stables in Versailles in early November 2007. Immediately upon opening the academy assembled some of the nation’s highest quality lesson horses including several former world and national champions.  While many of the lesson horses are excellent beginner horses, the academy also has a number of horses challenging for even the most advanced riders.  Although some riders choose to learn to ride for the sheer pleasure of riding an American Saddlebred, showing horses is very popular at Sunrise Stables.  Riders may show academy horses in Winter Tournaments and Academy Horse Shows.  Riders may choose to show in recognized horse shows but must purchase their own horse to compete. 

Moore’s and Haydon’s very different careers as professionals in the horse industry coupled with the fact that both of them have a strong interest in promoting the American Saddlebred Horse has provided a special opportunity for developing a riding academy with a much different twist than many lesson programs already in existence in central Kentucky.  Although Moore needs no introduction to the American Saddlebred industry, she has worked very hard to establish herself as an outstanding trainer and role model for young horseman and to have already trained over 50 World’s Champion American Saddlebreds, recently purchasing and building her own beautiful, state of the art training facility.  Haydon, co-owner and director of educational programs has taught saddle seat riding and shown Saddlebreds extensively, but chose to take a different route as a professional horseperson obtaining her Ph.D. in the Equine Sciences and serving for 20 years as a college administrator and professor of equine studies at Midway College, developing one of the country’s most touted equine programs.  Haydon is recognized internationally for her distinguished teaching and service to the horse industry.

Both Moore and Haydon have common goals in that they feel strongly about not only stimulating new interest but also sustained interest in the American Saddlebred through the creation of high quality educational programs and opportunities for Saddlebred enthusiasts to learn about the horse.   “It’s not only important for us to educate the public about the American Saddlebred and get people actively involved, but it’s also important to provide educational opportunities that stimulate continued and renewed interest in the breed,” says Haydon.  Haydon also says in her opinion, “Retaining the interest and active involvement of individuals already in Saddlebred industry via providing services and education for current owners, especially the amateur owner trainers is equally as important as introducing new people into the industry.”

Programs offered at Sunrise Stables Riding Academy include the following:

• Riding Lessons
• Annual Clinic Series
• Residential and Non-residential Camps for Children and Adults at All Levels of Riding
• Horses and Homework After School Program
• Equine Science Courses for College Credit
• Youth Club
• Horse Showing and Training
• Show Horses for all divisions for sale at all times
• Research to Benefit the American Saddlebred Industry

A Legacy for Tom and Donna Moore

Melissa Moore and Sally Haydon have both been extremely fortunate to have had learned about the American Saddlebred Horse and the Saddlebred industry from Tom and Donna Moore who were two of the industry’s best ambassadors. Sunrise Stables Riding Academy was created as a legacy in honor of the innovations, teachings and accomplishments of Tom and Donna Moore. Both Melissa and Sally feel a responsibility give back to the Saddlebred industry some of the learning experiences and skills they have gained through Tom and Donna Moore.

Mission of Sunrise Stables Riding Academy

Sunrise Stables Riding Academy educates children and adults in the local community and nation about the American Saddlebred Horse and through its programming teaches riding and horsemanship promoting personal qualities such as confidence, teamwork, responsibility and leadership in a fun and rewarding environment.

Goals

1. Provide a safe and fun environment for educating children and adults about the qualities of the American Saddlebred Horse
2. Offer high quality educational programs including riding lessons, camps, after school programs, clinics, intercollegiate and interscholastic saddle seat riding opportunities, research and youth club
3. Develop programs to promote the American Saddlebred in the local community, nation and world
4. Educate individuals regarding practical horse handling and care, anatomy, physiology and health
5. Maintain an environment that promotes self confidence, responsibility, teamwork and leadership skills
6. Assist each student in reaching his/her personal goals whether it be to ride for pleasure or exercise or to purchase, show and train horses
7. Conduct all programming and client relations in a professional manner