“I have had the pleasure of teaching Melissa for about four years. In that time I’ve watched her grow from a very talented but sometimes emotional 11 year old to a talented self composed young lady. We recently leased a horse that had a nice record, but he proved to be a horse you needed to develop a relationship with. Needless to say, the first two shows weren’t exactly what we were hoping for, but Melissa picked herself up and went home to figure him out. I recently got a text from Melissa that she loved the horse and was starting to understand him. Melissa is always supportive of the other girls and always stays to cheer them on. She loves her horses and is always taking them out for grass, without being told to. I think Melissa would be a great addition to anyone’s team.”
~ Karen Healey
“I have known Melissa Acker since she was about 9 years old. She was a little, feisty kid, with a love for horses. When she first started riding, she would ask for more work just so she could spend more time around the horses. She has gone from a kid who didn’t know how to control a lot of her own emotions, to a teenager that now helps out others and understands what it means to work hard. When the going gets tough, Melissa gets tougher. Instead of complaining and feeling sorry for herself, she picks herself up, and comes to the barn dressed and ready for another day. On show days, she’s the first there and the last out, spending every second she can supporting her barnmates, friends from other barns, and sometimes friends from out of state! She always lends a helpful hand whether it be grooming a horse, setting jumps, mucking stalls, cleaning bridles, or riding a tackwalk only. She is grateful for every opportunity that comes her way, and always says thank you after our lessons. I have never seen a young teenage girl make such a huge change in themselves, as she did. She knows exactly what she wants to do and continues to work hard to achieve these goals.
Melissa is a wonderful asset to our barn and program and I know she will do well in whatever she chooses to do in life.”
~ Toni Hrudka, Bridlewood Farms
“I have worked with Melissa Acker for the last 10 years on and off. When I first met Melissa at the young age of 9, she yearned for knowledge. She was a young “barn rat”, as we call them, eager to learn anything and everything about horses. She was there at sunup and sundown spending every second with me. I spent time teaching her about grooming, proper nutrition, daily care necessities, and instructed her riding lessons. As the manager/assistant trainer and rider of Bridlewood farms at the time we shared many long days together. Melissa is one of the most caring individuals I have ever met. She is a young hardworking gal that is eager to please. She’s fabulous with the horses and has a good heart. Not only is she a great rider, but she has a great feel and natural ability to communicate with the horse.
I know Melissa will be a great horsewoman. I am confident she will thrive in many situations. She is a team player but also has great qualities as a leader. The horse industry can be political, vigorous, and very challenging. Melissa shows true grit and determination. She takes her time to assess situations and takes the proper steps needed to solve problems.
Recently, she has helped me with some of my rehabilitation horses. These animals take time and patience, and Melissa shows true passion with them all. I value Melissa as a friend but also as a very talented young professional and conquer great things. “
~ Brittany Hanes, Owner of Rocky Mountain Equine Rehabilitation
“I am writing to you in regards to Melissa Acker, an outstanding applicant for both your school, and NCEA Equestrian Team. I previously trained Melissa for slightly more than a year. She is a wonderful student who tried 100% at all times. She is her own worst critic, but has learned to take what she can from her mistakes, and then to let them go. This was not an easy lesson for her to learn, but she keeps working on this daily. As a person, Melissa is kind and incredibly supportive of the riders around her. What she wants is to be part of a team. Any part. No one will work harder. She may ask a million questions, but will learn and continue to grow. She is a diamond in the rough, capable of great things, and I hope you will give her a chance.”
~ Melissa Jones
“I had the great pleasure of coaching Melissa in Indoor Rock Climbing. She was a student that not only tried to grow herself, but was a leader in the space. Once she has her eyes on a problem, she works until she gets it and keeps a great attitude while doing so. She has the ability to manage the many responsibilities in her life (like her academic schedule) while not losing the drive to pursue her passions. Melissa was a great addition in the climbing gym as she was not only focused on her own development but also supporting the growth of other students. She shows up as a leader in the spaces that she enters, and it was wonderful to not only watch her grow in our sport but to grow as an individual and as a leader. I can tell that the skills she has learned from riding have transferred to climbing, and I also believe that climbing has taught her a little bit more about riding as well.”
~ Brian List, Head Rock Climbing Coach, Colorado Academy
“I am pleased to write a testimonial for Melissa Acker. I have known Melissa for the past two years, working as her advisor at Colorado Academy. She is a passionate, hardworking, and confident young woman, who is up for any challenge placed in front of her. She balances her time well between school, riding and friends, she knows how to prioritize and get her work done. Melissa is a team player, ready to jump in and participate in any activity I have planned and comes to advisory time with a smile and positive attitude. Melissa is not afraid to speak up and put herself out there. She takes great pride in her work, and she believes in herself. It has been wonderful working with Melissa the past two years. She has my highest recommendation. I am confident that she will thrive in any environment and I know any program would benefit from her passion, grit and leadership.”
~ Sydney Finkbohner, Upper School Advisor, Colorado Academy