From the Depths to the Saddle: An Interview with Melissa Mayo

“Horses bring me peace, joy, strength. I’ve ridden throughout this whole journey. Even just sitting, being led gave me some mental health. I was determined to be normal again. Normal for me is on a horse.”

Faced with a ghastly personal trial, Melissa Mayo scaled the trauma mountain and got back into the saddle. Do we quit? Do we get back on? I am an older, ever-student rider. My scary voices sometimes clutch at my chaps. Melissa shares how she kicked the voices away. Here is my interview with her.

Candace: When did you begin your riding career?
Melissa: When I was three years old.  I got Apples, my little POA pony, when I was five. I had a terrible riding accident at 10.  But I’d always gotten back on. I’m now 45.

C: In what discipline did you ride?
M: English/Eventing. It’s what my mom and aunt rode, so I followed.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Mayo.

C: How did your accident occur?
M: November 12, 2022. My two girls and I were going to ride in a local show. My son was with us. Rain, sleet, snow. I shouldn’t have gone. But it was the last show of the season. I didn’t want to disappoint my girls. I mounted Ditto. He danced around and slipped in the mud. He fell — landing on his right side and my right leg. Ditto broke his pelvis. My leg was crushed. I lay on the cold, wet ground trying to assess him without being able to see him and orchestrate what to do with the kiddos and the horses. I had very good friends who jumped in to help. I left in an ambulance headed one way. Ditto left in a trailer headed in the other direction to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. A dear friend whisked my kids home.

C: Top four feelings while being treated?
M: Fear, sadness, worry, hope. but some pride, too. I’m proud of my kids, my husband and my community. We received so much help. A friend even brought my Ditto to me – home — so he could be buried where he belonged. My wish for everyone is to see the good that can come from tragedy. I will never be able to thank everyone. Our children experience what it meant to be part of a community — to step up for those in need.

C: How did your mindset change and in what time frame?
M: Pretty consistent throughout the year and a half of trying to save my leg. I had a healthy dose of frustration as well. But I’ll play the hell out of whatever hand I’m dealt. I’ve recently recounted that this is the first time I’ve felt like I had real purpose. The accident has made me a better therapist and a cheerleader. I’m happy to share my journey. I went through some dark times. Not being able to keep up with my kids, or God forbid, get to them in the Emergency. Anxiety hung over my head. Who I am is based on movement. Losing movement meant losing me. I didn’t want to get out of bed. The pain was excruciating. I tried to paint a strong picture and push through, but the pain and anxiety was killing me. My right leg was amputated on February 7, 2025. I have not looked back.

Melissa and TG Celtic Sword. Photo courtesy of Melissa Mayo.

C: What made you decide your post-accident equestrian path?
M: I’ve been on a horse since I was three. It’s who I am. Horses bring me peace, joy, strength. I’ve ridden throughout this whole journey. Even just sitting, being led gave me some mental health. I was determined to be normal again. Normal for me is on a horse. I even rode in a horse trial after my ankle was fused. It was dumb and I probably shouldn’t have, but mentally I needed it. I needed to prove to myself that I could. Our ride was ugly, but Tego was an absolute saint. We did it!

Photo courtesy of Melissa Mayo.

Olympics had been a dream for me since childhood. Post amputation was the first time that dream was possible. Friends tossed the idea of Para-Dressage to me. Four months after surgery, I was offered an amazing horse, Protego Santana. Tego was on his own journey of healing from Equine Suspensory Branch Desmitis. We healed together. We are now chasing a dream I’ve had my entire life — the Olympics. Now through Para Dressage.

Melissa with Protego Santana. Photo courtesy of Melissa Mayo.

C: How do you feel when you ride now?
M: Grateful, happy, proud. I’m grateful every time I sit on a horse. Every single time. I’m happy to be on this journey, to bring inspiration to others.  I’m proud of where I am — who I am — and this journey.  I’m proud of my husband and my kids and everyone who’s on this journey with me. I’m grateful for Tego. He brings a ridiculous amount of joy to my life. I’m proud of the comeback we are making together.

C: What do you want us to know?
M: Never give up. Never settle. Always look for the positives. Ask for help. Always make the right decision for you.

Melissa’s story makes me reassess the negative noises in my head when I have faced much smaller challenges. We can get back on, even if we just sit and let ourselves be led.

Melissa with Protego Santana after their first show. Photo courtesy of Melissa Mayo.