Gila Ridge senior to ride for the University of Minnesota Crookston Equestrian Program
Gila Ridge High School senior Kayley Melton has signed a National Letter of Intent to the University of Minnesota Crookston equestrian program.
“Kayley Melton comes to us with a wealth of experience showing within the Jumper classes, Equitation on the Flat as well as Equitation over Fences classes,” said UMC head coach Kayla Krueger. “She will ride in the Open/Intermediate Level for the Golden Eagles. Kayley’s that type of rider you never want to take your eye off, a commanding presence on horseback that you simply cannot coach and we are thrilled that she has chosen Minnesota Crookston to further her academic and athletic career.”
Melton earned the A-Team award all four years at Gila Ridge. She is also a Future Farmers of America officer. She was an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) varsity team member.
Melton was the 2016 Overall Greater San Diego Hunter Jumper Association (GSDHJA) 3-foot-3 Jumper Champion. She was also the 2016 overall Southern California Horseman’s Council 3-foot-3 champion and won 2016 SCHC Horse of the Year.
Melton is the daughter of Shannon and Joel Melton. She plans to major in equine science. Her mother and grandmother both trained and showed horses.
Melton will add to a talented young squad that returns most of their roster for the 2018-19 season. The Golden Eagles hunt seat team earned Reserve High Point team in the region during the 2017-18 season.
