Meet Hat Trick
Hat Trick Equestrian was founded by the Vest family in 2021 with a mission to provide quality training and boarding to hunter/jumper riders.
It is named for Hat Trick (aka "Zeke"), the horse who inspired the
"horse-first" mentality we bring to every student and boarder.
Image Courtesy of On Course Photos
Professionally Run...
Lessons, coaching, and management at Hat Trick Training are provided by Melanie Vest. Coach Vest holds a Master's in Education from Lynchburg College, which, combined with her extensive experience in the competitive hunter/jumper world, gives her the ability to help students of all skill levels and ages reach their goals.
Vest started riding at a young age, competing on the local and rated circuits. In her senior year at Bridgewater College, she competed on the IHSA team. After graduation from Lynchburg College, she taught classes and trained horses at Liberty University while also acting as the head trainer at a private farm in Lynchburg. She returned to Bridgewater in 2018 as Assistant Director of Riding, and remained in that position until the program cuts in 2020. Now, she owns and operates Hat Trick Training LLC, which she founded so she could continue to coach college riders, including the Bridgewater Equestrian Club teams.
...Family Owned
John and Kathie Vest are lifelong animal-lovers and professional horse show parents. They can often be found supporting Hat
Trick students ringside (including supplying the best grilled
cheese sandwiches!) or caring for the horses, cats, and pugs
that call Hat Trick Equestrian home.
The Vests live onsite, which allows them to ensure a high quality of care, and take pride in fostering a welcoming, family environment for all students and boarders that step foot on property.