When self-taught horseback rider Melissa Abram had to put down her first horse in 2003, she thought she’d never ride again. The 2019 Ladies Trail Pleasure AOHA State Champion was reminded of her love of riding over the last few years and has made leaps and bounds ever since.

After realizing how much she really missed being in the saddle, Abram started trail riding again with friends for leisure about five years ago. She now shows gaited horses and helps take care of them on a daily basis.