TRF-MMSC Staff

Susanna Thomas

Susanna has a lifetime of experience in horsemanship, journalism, and civic work.
She owns a farm in Mercer County, Kentucky where she boards horses and teaches
riding. She has written for numerous equine magazines including EAGALA in
Practice, The Blood Horse, The Horse Journal, the Thoroughbred Times, Equus,
and Spur. She has published a cookbook, worked for Random House Publishing in
New York, and helped draft legislation protecting farmland. Her expertise includes
riding and instruction in dressage, natural and classical horsemanship. She also
likes to carriage drive, foxhunt and occasionally ride side saddle. Susanna comes to
the MMSC with hopes of bringing the plight of the ex-racehorse to the forefront, as
well as using her experiences to educate and interest others in the natural bond
between horse and human. In her spare time, Susanna enjoys her husband and two
sons, as well as working with her Andalusian stallion, reading and cooking.

Melissa DeCarlo  

Melissa is a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky and now holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. She has ridden on the hunter show circuit since she was 12 and worked under trainer, Jennifer Hinman in North Salem, NY. Melissa won numerous equitation trophies as well as competed in the hunters and jumpers. She rode on the UK Equestrian Team for 3 years under trainer, Michelle Zimmer, in the open division. Melissa started volunteering at the Maker’s Mark
Secretariat Center in October 2008 and joined the MMSC staff June 2009. On the side, Melissa enjoys playing and teaching the flute, collecting Breyer Model Horses and playing with her two cats, Miles and Zoey.

TRF-MMSC Current Interns

APPLY FOR SPRING 2011, today! Email mdecarlo@thoroughbredadoption.com for more information.