WESST Client Profiles

In August 2021, Melissa, a former schoolteacher, is the owner of Tierra del Alma, a ranch providing lodging, Equus coaching, workshops, and clinics, in Hondo, NM. She originally considered starting her business in California but moved back to Hondo for family. This change in plans took courage and a dedicated support system, as her original plans had to adapt to a different landscape, both physically and professionally.  

Her love of horses and the lessons she learned from working with them helped her overcome many of these obstacles, providing her with the skills to become more relaxed and handle unexpected situations.  Melissa reached out to WESST to help work through her business plan, strengthening her support system.  WESST Roswell helped advertise her business in their local market of Roswell and Ruidoso, coordinating a press visit with a local newspaper and promoting her first training event. 

Tierra del Alma provides a unique opportunity for the local community to work with experienced horse trainers, learn more about them, and stay overnight on the property to revive and restore.  Melissa says, “I wanted to bring something back to New Mexico,” and now she is living her dream, sharing her knowledge and passion for horses back home.