CHAMBERSBURG – Wilson College and Director of Athletics Tina Hill have announced the hiring of Melanie Vest as the new head coach of the Phoenix equestrian hunt seat team. Vest joins the Phoenix after serving as the head coach at Bridgewater College in Virginia.
“I am so thrilled to be joining the Wilson team. As a lifelong equestrian, I know the importance of having a strong community behind you,” said Vest. “It is such an honor to be welcomed into this one. I’m looking forward to coaching the team and teaching classes on this storied campus!”
“We’re thrilled to have Coach Vest join our team as our head hunt seat coach,” said Hill. “Our program will greatly benefit from her expertise and enthusiasm to lead our growing team of champions! Our riders are dedicated students, competitors and engaged members of our Wilson community, and Coach Vest is poised to lead them to even greater success in the years ahead. We can’t wait for her to get started!”
In addition to her coaching duties at Wilson, she will also be serving as an instructor in our equine studies program.
“I am excited to have Melanie joining the department in this joint position with athletics,” said Janice Holland, director and associate professor of equine studies. “Her background and experience as a faculty member will allow her to teach a variety of classes for us, both inside and outside the traditional classroom. Melanie will be integral in moving our program forward both academically and athletically.”
Vest had been with the Eagles since 2018 in a variety of roles before eventually earning the head coaching position of their IHSA team in 2021. Since then, she’s also been the owner and head trainer of Hat Trick Equestrian, which included managing boarding, training and lessons. She taught all level lessons with an emphasis on hunt seat equitation and jumper seat style.
She was also responsible for coaching, schooling, and showing client horses at SWVHJA, CVSJA, and VHSA shows.
From 2018 to 2021, Vest was the head coach of Bridgewater’s open show team while also being the assistant to the director of riding, assistant professor of equine science.
Vest will take the reins of the program at Wilson in December.
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