Equus Equitation and Health was founded by Dr Mel Palviainen. Mel is both a biological scientist and experienced horse woman.

With over 10 years experience working as part of an R&D team in Agricultural chemistry, Mel has combined her passion for horses and science through her fecal egg counting service.

Mel is also an accredited Pony Club Australia NCAS Coach, an accredited Australian National Working Equitation Judge, and an active competitor in HRCAV and ANWE working equitation.

Past Pony Clubber

Growing up in Warrandyte, Victoria (Australia) where there are lots of wonderful bridle trails, Mel first started riding at 10 years old with Tandivale Riding School.

At 11, her first horse was a big bay pacer, Chappie, that she saved from perishing through neglect when the owner had left him in Victoria and moved to Queensland.

It was through Chappie and his prior neglect that Mel learnt a lot about hoof care and consequences of founder.

No hoof no horse, so then along came a little Welsh pony that Mel rode for miles and miles and took to Wyena Pony Club.

Horse Industry Experience & Education

Working weekends and holidays as trail riding leader at Yarra Brae Riding Center during her later years of high school, Mel went on to study horse management at Glenormiston Agricultural College.

Scientist & Equestrian

A passion for learning led Mel to studies in Science. Then after a break from horses (due to science studies) and attaining a PhD in Science at LaTrobe Uni, Mel found time to return to her equine passions and found her school master, Bolle.

Past Carriage Driver

Shortly after moving to Whittlesea in 2006, a passion for carriage driving was found. Training her horse most days, and keeping him fit while working as a corporate professional.

Mel and Macca were unbeatable at both State and National Championships, firstly in Novice Single Horse combined driving, and then Open Single Horse. It was during this time that Mel became part of the Equestrian Australia Driving High Performance Team, and enjoyed showing off combined driving prowess at Equitana.

Working Equitation Specialist

These days Mel is focused on classical ridden dressage and working equitation; training and competing Beauwood Matador (a Hackney Cob cross) and Crichtons Casper (a Percheron Cross).

Favorite quotes from coaches Mel learns from:

‘A horse can feel a tiny fly land on any part of their body, this shows how sensitive they are’ Allan Collett (Buck Brannaman style horsemanship coach)

‘Each time you ride, remember you are just spending time with your best mate’ Gale Bransford (Classical dressage coach).