Melissa Joannides
Wiltshire based 5* Event Rider
Melissa is a professional event rider with a yard of 10-12 event horses ranging from 3 year olds to 5* level. Fuchsia Media started sponsoring Melissa in 2022 and we have not looked back. We have had quite the adventure and have become good friends along the way, so much so that Melissa is now a Godmother to my little girl. Melissa, Ali and the team have become part of the family and I absolutely love spending time with them all.
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2024 saw trips to Kronenburg, Luhmuhlen (for Melissa's first 5*), and then the famous Blenheim (amongst many other competitions), so I am not too sure how we will top that in 2025 but we are definitely going to give it a go! I am very excited to see where this season takes us.
Melissa's Horses
Patch Ali
'Jeff' is owned by Peter Rhodes and was a new addition to the team in 2018. In his first season with Melissa, he made a successful step up to Novice and International level, with placings at both Chilham Castle and Bicton CIC* and completed his first 3-day event at Hartpury. Since then, he has continued up the levels and in 2024, went double clear in the 4*S at Kronenburg, completed the 4*L at Blenheim Palace and completed his first ever 5*L at Luhmuhlen in which they went clear cross-country. He is a gentle giant and just the nicest horse to have around. We are all very fond of Jeffery.
Silver Venture
'Rio' is owned by the Venture syndicate, and joined the team at the beginning of 2019 as an unbroken 3yo. In her first year Eventing as a 6yo, she was placed top 10 in 4/5 occasions including double clear in both her first Novices. She completed her 6yo season with x3 runs at 2* including the 6yo National Championship at Osberton. In 2022, Rio successfully moved up to Intermediate and completed the 7yo 3* Championship. She finished 2023 with a double clear and 7th place at Ballindenisk International. In 2024, Rio had her first BE win at Dauntsey Park and then completed her 4* qualifications with a fantastic 4th place in the 3*L at Lisgarvan House. I didn't get to see much of Rio competing in 2024 so I am extremely excited to see this mare in action again this year.
Norma GII
'Norma' is owned by Denny Russell. In 2023 she excelled in her first season with MJ Eventing, picking up top placings and double clears, most notably jumping double clear in her first CCI2S at Cornbury International, finishing 12th. In 2024, Norma stepped up a level finishing in the top ten in three runs at 3* level, including 5th at Lisgarvan House in Ireland in her first 3-day event. This mare is already proving to be a bit of a star so we are very excited to see her competing in 2025.
Stella Nova
'Isla' is owned and bred by Emma Bird. Isla joined the MJ Eventing team in July 2023 where she produced some brilliant results including a win at West Wilts and a 2nd at Tweseldown. In the Winter of 2023, Isla had a very successful BS record with multiple wins up to Newcomers and then had some successful BE runs in 2024, notably picking up a 2nd at Upton House BE100. She is a lovely little mare and so much potential for the future.
Grafs Leopold
'Leo' is owned by Caroline Collins. He arrived at MJ Eventing in March 2023 to begin his life as an eventer. In 2024, Leo made his BE debut and successfully completed the 5yo Championship at Cornbury International and jumping BS 1.05m tracks. He finished 2024 with a top ten in the BE105 at Little Downham. This horse is just the sweetest boy and another very exciting prospect for the future.
Russmond Maybee
'May' is owned and bred by Denny Russell. She is an exciting young mare who joined the team along with Rory in Autumn 2023. In 2024, May made her eventing debut, successfully competing in Cotswold Cup events before stepping up to affiliated BE100. She is a very friendly mare and another one that I cannot wait to see progress next season.
Hallmarked
'Artie' is owned by Louise Lewis and joined the team in 2024. He has had an incredibly successful eventing debut, winning 5 of his events. Another one to look out for next season!
