The Complete Pet has a line of books titled Horse Tales for the Soul. A portion of the proceeds from these books will go to Saddle Up Riding Club if you use our link to visit their site.
Saddle Up Riding Instructors
Melissa Kasper-Yarbrough
Hard working and dedicated, Melissa Kasper brings more than 26 years experience
in the equine field to Saddle Up Riding Club.
Melissa earned her BS degree from Purdue University in Animal Science,
with concentrations in Equine Reproduction and Behavior.
Melissa has been an active member of the NARHA since 2000. Melissa earned her Registered status instructor certification in 2001 with NARHA.
She has worked on developing 2 NARHA centers in Florida and 1 center in Texas.
She is also an Equestrian Special Olympics Coach.
Melissa has successfully shown Hunter and
Jumper show horses throughout Illinois and Indiana. During college, she was a member of the
Purdue Intercollegiate Equestrian Team and Polo Club. Melissa recently received her
Master’s degree from the University of South Florida in Special Education.
She is a certified special education public school teacher in Hillsborough County
specializing in the disability of Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is currently taking
coursework at the World Campus of Penn State University to be able to complete her certification in Behavior Analysis.
Melissa believes that every child should be given every opportunity to live an independent and
successful life. Her dedication and patience shows when she is working with her students, staff and
horses. Melissa plans to assist in the development of Saddle Up Riding Club into a NARHA premier
accredited center. She hopes to be able to reach children and adults with varying disabilities from
across Pinellas County. Her future goals for the center include offering Hippotherapy, driving therapy
services, competition training, equine psychotherapy, and inclusion lessons
(having able-bodied riders riding with riders with disabilities).
Overall, Melissa is excited to be working for Saddle Up Riding Club, to be able
to “Saddle Up” to make a difference for persons with disabilities.
Melissa also conducts limited able-bodied English Equitation and Jumping lessons for beginners and intermediate riders.
