Our Instructors
Amanda Forbes
Amanda discovered her love for horses at the age of eight, beginning her riding journey at summer camps. By the age of ten, she was committed to weekly lessons, steadily building her skills and passion for equestrianism.
While attending the University of Ottawa, Amanda continued to refine her riding abilities, working in a barn and at a local summer riding camp. After completing her undergraduate studies, she attended the University of Western Ontario, graduating with Bachelors of Education that allow her to bring an educational perspective to her equestrian instruction.
Amanda worked at Whitchurch Riding Academy for six years, gaining valuable experience in both horse care and teaching. In 2021, she took over the business, renaming it Whitchurch Equestrian to reflect their vision for a welcoming and professional environment where riders of all levels can thrive.
With a strong foundation in both education and equine management, Amanda is dedicated to fostering confidence, skill, and a lifelong love for riding in every student.
Megan Hamilton
Megan began riding at a young age with weekly lessons and felt an instant connection with the equine world. She gained valuable experience early on by riding a wide variety of horses, and she has been showing in the Hunter Discipline on the Trillium and A Circuits from the age of eleven to the present time.
As a teen, she worked on numerous equestrian facilities including breeding farms, show stables, and riding academies, and gained an extensive range of equine knowledge from those experiences. In 2012 she graduated from McMaster University, where she was involved in the McMaster Equestrian Club as an Executive Member. She went on to become a valued competitive team member of the Ontario University Equestrian Association Circuit.
As an instructor of Whitchurch Equestrian, Megan thoroughly enjoys sharing her knowledge, experience, and love of horsemanship, by teaching the sport of horseback riding to young and old.
Melissa Crump
With a lifelong passion for horses and equestrian education, Melissa brings a wealth of experience to the arena. Starting her riding journey at just 10 years old at Whitchurch, she quickly developed a deep love for the sport. At 14, she began volunteering at camp, immersing herself in the equestrian community and honing her skills in horsemanship and teamwork.
By 16, Melissa was working in the barns, gaining hands-on experience with horse care and stable management. Her dedication and expertise led her to start teaching lessons at camp by the age of 17, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with riders of all ages.
Melissa furthered her equine education at the University of Guelph, where she specialized in Equine Management. This academic foundation, combined with years of practical experience, makes Melissa a skilled and insightful instructor who is passionate about fostering confidence, skill, and a love for horses in her students.
Scott Meldrum
Scott began riding at Whitchurch Riding Academy in 1980, and began competing in the sport of Horse Trials in 1984. He has been a keen member and supporter of Ontario’s Eventing scene ever since, and an instructor at WRA and now Whitchurch Equestrian for twenty years.
Competing successfully at the Preliminary Level, he has had the privilege to train under several of Canada’s top coaches in the Jumper, Dressage, and Eventing disciplines. Scott has also been a participant and auditor at clinics given by International Eventing Stars in Ontario.