Melinda Parbery

Melinda Parbery is an accomplished Australian dressage rider, coach, and clinician who is widely recognized for her practical, horse-centered approach to training. Together with her husband, Brett Parbery, she co-owns Parbery Performance Horses at Cedar Lodge in Penrose, New South Wales, where they train competition horses, coach riders, and operate a successful online education platform.

Riding & Coaching Philosophy

Mel believes in developing confident, athletic horses through clear communication, consistency, and correct fundamentals. Her coaching emphasizes:

* Building a positive partnership between horse and rider.

* Establishing correct basics before advancing.

* Individualized training for each horse and rider combination.

* Producing relaxed, willing, and responsive horses.

* Creating enjoyable, sustainable training programs for riders of all levels.

Coaching Specialties

* Classical dressage fundamentals

* Rider position and effectiveness

* Young horse development

* Competition preparation

* Horse-and-rider partnerships

* Foundation training

* Amateur and junior rider development

* FEI dressage

* Problem-solving training challenges

* Dressage clinics and mentorship

* Online rider education.

Career Background

Mel grew up in a non-equestrian family but quickly developed a passion for horses after beginning lessons at a local riding school. She participated in:

* Pony Club

* Agricultural shows

* Show jumping

* Multiple equestrian disciplines

She later focused on dressage after acquiring a talented schoolmaster from coach Pip Longworth, discovering a passion for producing horses and helping riders improve.

Professional Credentials

Mel has earned several respected coaching qualifications, including:

* Equestrian Australia (NCAS) Level 1 Coach (completed in 2000)

* Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Coach

* FEI Dressage Rider

* Longtime weekly coach at Tall Timbers RDA Centre in Box Hill, supporting riders with disabilities.

Coaching Experience

Mel coaches:

* Beginners through FEI competitors

* Junior and youth riders

* Adult amateurs

* Competitive dressage riders

* Young horses

* Riders seeking confidence and correct foundations

She is known for creating an encouraging learning environment and adapting her instruction to each rider's goals.

Competition Career

As an FEI dressage rider, Mel has competed nationally and internationally, including at FEI Small Tour level. She has represented Parbery Performance Horses at major Australian competitions and has successfully trained and campaigned both her own and client horses.

Parbery Performance Horses

Mel manages the day-to-day operations of Parbery Performance Horses, which offers:

* Full-service dressage training

* Lessons and clinics

* Horse development

* Competition coaching

* Rider mentorship

* Online education through the Performance Riders platform

The facility includes indoor and outdoor dressage arenas, show jumping facilities, and specialized horse care designed to support high-performance training.

Performance Riders

Mel is a trainer within the Performance Riders online education program, contributing to courses such as:

* Dressage Essentials

* Dressage Breakthrough

* Gold Performance Club

The platform provides structured education, live coaching, and ongoing mentorship for riders around the world.

Community Involvement

Beyond coaching competitive riders, Mel has remained committed to:

* Riding for the Disabled programs

* Educational clinics throughout Australia

* Supporting riders of all ages and abilities

* Mentoring developing coaches and horse owners.