Brush Creek Riders

Where horses teach life skills -

with a little dirt and a lot of grace.

We are a faith based Equestrian Assisted Learning program. Helping people through horses to learn personal growth and how to apply skills learned in everyday living.

Our Story

This program has been guided by faith from the very beginning—long before it had a name or even a clear shape in our minds, it was quietly being formed.

One of the first visible signs of what was to come appeared when Lydia created what is now our logo during a middle school class many years ago. That original design still hangs in the barn today as a powerful reminder that purpose often begins long before we recognize it.

It all started with Lydia, Melissa’s daughter, whose love for horses began as a toddler through time spent riding with family friends. When Lydia was just three years old, her life changed forever after surviving a severe traumatic brain injury in a car accident. In the midst of so much change, one constant remained—her deep love for horses.

That connection quickly became an important part of her healing journey. Lydia began participating in a Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Learning program, where she spent many meaningful years growing in strength and confidence. Over time, she was blessed with her own horse who was also part of the program, and later joined a Special Olympics Equestrian Team. During this season, Melissa stepped into coaching, walking alongside her daughter in both life and horsemanship.

When the therapy center eventually closed, Lydia and Melissa continued the journey on their own with Lydia’s horse—quietly carrying forward everything they had learned over the years.

Fast forward, the Hayle family was given the unexpected opportunity to purchase the beautiful property where Brush Creek Riders now resides. Before even making the move from out of state, it became clear that an Equine Assisted Learning program was something this community needed.

Through seasons of change, challenge, and growth, faith remained the foundation. Recognizing the responsibility of this calling, Melissa pursued further education in the field, completing the Fundamentals of Equine Assisted Learning and continuing her certification path in EAL, Mounted EAL, and Personal Growth EAL.

What makes this journey even more meaningful is the community that has surrounded it—people who saw the vision, believed in the mission, and continue to help bring it to life in countless ways.

At its core, Equine Assisted Learning is for everyone. No matter your background or your story, there is space here for growth, healing, and discovery. Whether it happens in the saddle or on the ground, what matters most is the growth that takes place along the way.

At Brush Creek Riders, we believe your current season is not the end of your story—it is part of the process that leads to growth, healing, and purpose. Whatever you are walking through today, there will come a time when you look back and realize it wasn’t wasted—it was shaping you all along.

From finding the property to where we stand today, every step has unfolded through faith, a little bit of dirt, and a lot of grace.

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Meet the Horses

Ruby

Personality: The Real Boss

About: Ruby came to us through a local rescue and is truly an example of an overcomer. When the rescue saved her, she was very thin and malnourished—but you’d never know it now.

These days, Ruby is our wise “old lady” of the herd with a patient nature and just the right touch of sass. She can be a little stubborn as a mule at times, but she’s also calm, steady, and full of personality.

And one thing about Ruby—you can always win her over with snacks. As long as you bring treats, she’s pretty convinced you can do just about anything. 

Breed:  Quarter Horse

Romeo

Personality: The Boss

About: Romeo truly feels like a gift—he came to us when we least expected it, and his past is mostly a mystery. What we do know is that he’s quite the character.

He is extremely nosey in the best way possible and firmly believes everything should be in its proper place. If something is new, moved, or “not quite right,” Romeo is absolutely going to let you know.

Despite his opinions on organization, he’s also our biggest love bug. He enjoys attention, thrives on scratches, and is never one to turn down a good dose of affection.

Breed: Friesian Sport
Breed: Draft Cross

Hank

Personality: Mr. Mischievous

About: We originally went out to get tack—and came home with Hank instead. Definitely not the plan, but clearly meant to be.

Hank is the definition of “in your pocket.” He is always right there, ready for attention, and fully committed to being part of whatever you’re doing. First one to the gate every time, and let’s be honest—he hasn’t met a treat he didn’t immediately approve of.

He’s very laid-back with a strong “why rush?” attitude… borderline lazy if you ask him on a Monday. But some how, it just adds to his charm. Hank is easygoing, lovable, and just genuinely awesome to be around

Don’t let that cool-kid swagger fool you—this guy is sneaky and just a little bit of a professional troublemaker. If you see him getting chased across the pasture or trotting over to you like he’s filing a formal complaint… just know, he 100% started it.

Breed: Arabian Saddlebred Cross

Tonka

Personality: The Entertainer

About: Ohhh Tonka… where do we even start?!

We’ve been lucky enough to know this guy for years—long before he officially joined our herd. Life has a funny way of coming full circle, and when the time came for his previous owner to make a tough decision, she chose to let Tonka step into a new purpose—helping others. What a gift that has been.

Now, Tonka? He knows he’s a star. All the world’s a stage, and he’s front and center at all times. He’ll happily chase down the “food truck” (aka the side-by-side) like it’s his full-time job and personal mission.

And the tricks? Oh, he’s got them. Smiling for treats? You bet. Can-can kicks? Absolutely—he’s basically the class clown with hooves.

If you’re needing a good laugh or just a little extra joy in your day, Tonka is your guy.

Meet the Team

  • Melissa Hayle

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / FOUNDER

    Melissa’s love for horses began at a young age. Years later, when her daughter Lydia developed the same love, it became something special they shared.

    Melissa married Chris in 2004. With his love and support, she stepped into the full-time role of caregiver. She began Therapeutic and EAL coaching within programs Lydia was part of. With a heart to serve, Melissa and Chris were also called to be Therapeutic Foster Parents for many years.

    When she’s not spending time with family and friends, you’ll find her at the barn. When called to serve again, she stepped in wholeheartedly. She believes —with faith, a little dirt, and a whole lot of grace leading the way Brush Creek Riders was formed.

  • Heather Delcour

    BOARD PRESIDENT

    Heather serves as the Assimilation Coordinator at Lifepoint Church in Lebanon, Missouri.

    She genuinely loves people (like, a lot), and she’s never met a stranger—just someone she hasn’t handed a cup of coffee to yet. Heather looks for every opportunity to share the love of Jesus, whether that’s through a conversation, a kind gesture, or gently pulling you out of your comfort zone because she sees the potential you might be trying to hide.

    Deeply rooted in her community, Heather is usually the first to show up when someone needs help and the last to leave when there’s work to be done. She has the heart of a teacher and the instincts of a leader, always ready to encourage, challenge, and walk alongside others as they grow—without ever letting them fall flat.

    When she’s not busy making Lebanon a better place, Heather loves spending time with her husband, Brian, and their three beautiful girls, who keep her just as on her toes as the rest of us do.

  • Jackie Hoppe

    BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

    Jackie grew up in Michigan, riding horses from the age of two. She spent over 20 years showing in 4-H and on the Quarter Horse circuit. Later, she stepped away from horse ownership to focus on raising a family of five alongside her husband, Keith.

    As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Jackie has a deep passion for helping others. Her lifelong love of horses, dedication to serving people, and desire to share her faith in Jesus have come together through the opportunity to serve on the board of Brush Creek Riders. She is honored and excited to be part of this community.

  • Sarah George

    BOARD TREASURER

    Sarah may not come from a horse background, but she is no stranger to serving others and sharing the love of Jesus. She and her husband, Travis, are raising four wonderful children, ages 2 to 14.

    While pregnant with her identical twin boys, Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree—making multitasking look effortless. She works full-time at LifePoint in Lebanon, Missouri, and serves as the Director of the local Celebrate Recovery program.

    Sarah is deeply passionate about helping others and is excited to be part of the impactful ministry of Brush Creek Riders.

  • Mike Spencer

    BOARD OFFICER

    Mike Spencer doesn’t talk about adventure—he lives it.

    A Marine veteran who’s traveled the world through multiple deployments, Mike brings discipline, courage, and heart to everything he does. His faith is central to his life, and his commitment to fellow veterans has made him a trusted leader and mentor.

    He leads a “Welcome Home” support group, offering encouragement, guidance, and real connection to those who have served. With his leadership experience and genuine care for people, he’s a natural fit to lead our future Veterans Program.

    Outside of that, Mike serves his community as a firefighter and city fire inspector—continuing his commitment to protecting others. He and his wife, Jessi, are also pursuing foster care with hopes of adopting, reflecting their dedication to supporting children and families in need.

    Whether he’s serving veterans, his community, or a child in need, Mike leads with strength, compassion, and purpose.


  • Toby Cross

    BOARD OFFICER

    Toby grew up in southern Michigan in a family that was not horse-friendly. She started lessons at a young age but was not heavily involved in the equine industry until college. After a chance introduction to Equine Assisted Services during her undergraduate studies, she changed her life trajectory to stay involved.

    Toby is currently a Pediatric Occupational Therapist serving as the Program Director for Dynamic Strides in Republic, MO. She has been in leadership in the EAS field for 10 years and has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, with a special focus on teenagers and veterans.

    She holds specialty credentials in biomechanical analysis, hippotherapy, leadership, and coaching, which uniquely position her to provide a variety of Equine Assisted Services.

    She lives with her husband, their seven working dogs, and nine horses on a working cattle property in southwest Missouri. In her spare time, she competes in a variety of cattle classes, ropes with her husband, and practices Western dressage..

  • Laura Latall

    BOARD SECRETARY

    Laura grew up riding horses with her aunt and at camp, and she loves them to this day. A St. Charles, MO native, Laura graduated from Southwest Baptist University, married her wonderful husband, and started teaching English at Lebanon High School in 2010. She is now embarking on a new adventure as a stay-home mom. Laura loves reading and finding beauty in everyday life. A devoted Christ-follower, her favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Laura can’t wait to see lives changed at Brush Creek Riders!