As the owner/manger and head trainer of  Sunrise Stables in Versailles, KY, Melissa Moore is more than just a horse trainer. In addition to turning out World and National Champion show horses and ponies, she also runs a successful breeding program which stands three stallions and cares for approximately thirty broodmares. In addition, she is known for doing whatever it takes to promote the American Saddlebred, Hackney and Roadster horse in a positive light. She has developed new and innovative programs such as  The Select Series Programs, The Junior Hunter Horse Challenge and The Bluegrass Futurity.  As well as conducting several clinics throughout the years as far away as England and Canada, and strives to promote the Equine Industry in a variety of disciplines. She holds positions on three equestrian organization boards, The United States Equestrian Federation, The American Roadster Horse and Pony Association and The American Hackney Horse Society , as well as sitting on numerous committees for ASHBA and USEF. Melissa is Co-Chair of education for License Officials for The American Saddlebred Horse and  Breeders Association.  She also conducts numerous tours and clinics at her farm, hosting hundreds of people educating and promoting the her beloved breeds to large audiences.  Melissa drove one of her world champion fine harness horses in the opening ceremonies and daily breed demonstrations at the World Equestrian Games as well as participating in The Rose Parade for the past 6 years, riding for Scripps Miramar Ranch from San Diego. “Showing off our breed to a live audience of over 100,000 people and knowing it was being broadcast world wide is  such an incredible opportunity. I’ve had so much fun!” Melissa exclaims. 

Melissa believes it is important to do her part to maintain the integrity of the industry through education and by serving as a judge for horse shows from coast to coat. A much sought after judge, she finds time to adjudicate approximately three to five shows a year. She has judged such notable shows as The Lexington Junior League, The  UPHA American Royal, The Morgan Grand National, The Kentucky State Fair World Championships, The South African National Championships, and The  Royal Winter Fair in Toronto to name a few.  However, she believes that equally important to the strength of the industry are the small, all breeds, one day horse shows, the county fairs, and even the winter tournaments she has had the opportunity to judge. Melissa notes that “it is critical to support the grassroots programs such as these smaller shows, to educate and promote our breed to a wider audience, and to encourage participation for the amateur/owner/trainer.”

Being born into the business as the daughter of legendary Hall of Fame horse trainers Tom and Donna Moore, and sister to World Champion trainer Melinda Moore, Melissa is grateful for the opportunities and education she received from an early age. Completely dedicated and quite the perfectionist, Melissa always strives to enhance her own abilities, as well as her customers, to bring out the absolute best in her horses and riders. Over her career, she has personally accumulated over sixty Worlds Championship or Reserve World Championship titles. Additionally, she has trained approximately Sixty horses to World or National Championship titles for their owners. The American Saddlebred horse, Hackney and Roadster horses are certainly in her blood, and Melissa Moore goes out of her way to continue to promote the breed, strengthen the industry, and serve as a role model to those who admire her abilities.