about corsari equestrian
Corsari Equestrian pays homage to Melody’s beloved Grand Prix horse, Corsari Van De Helle, lovingly known as Cori. Melody began riding him in February of 2019 and it was clear that, from the very start, the two had a special connection. After a break due to the pandemic, the pair began showing and immediately started accumulating multiple wins in the High Junior Jumper division and top placings in National Grand Prixs. In 2021, Cori and Melody represented Zone 10 in the Young Rider Division at the North American Young Rider Championships. A few months later, they achieved back-to-back Grand Prix wins in the Flintridge Grand Prix as well as the $100,000 Riders Cup Grand Prix which helped earn Melody Leading Lady Rider at the Riders Cup show. A month later, the pair jumped to a top 12 finish in the $150,000 Longines World Cup Qualifier in Las Vegas which marked both of their first 1.60 meter starts. Unfortunately, in the beginning of 2022, Cori suffered a life-ending injury and everything came to a halt.
The impact he had on everyone, not just Melody’s life, was profound and he was special to so many people. Even though she would not be able to achieve her dreams with her best friend, Melody decided to create her business in his memory so that he would be a part of every one of her adventures and achievements. To carry on Cori’s legacy, the entire CE team is dedicated to equine welfare and promoting an equine-centered environment where everything is geared toward giving back to these incredible animals.
A special thank you to Karen Zhang and Yuquan Liu for their ongoing support in continuing Cori's legacy.
“They owe us nothing but we owe them everything. I wasn’t able to give Cori the successful career and happy retirement he deserved, but it is my life’s goal to give that opportunity to every horse that steps foot into my barn.”
MEET OUR TEAM
melody liu - owner & assistant trainer
Melody started riding at the age of 7 and has since dedicated her life to this sport and horsemanship.As a Junior, Melody trained under Karen Healey and successfully competed in the Equitation and Jr Hunters. She has also competed both Nationally and Internationally at the Grand Prix level, including claiming her first Grand Prix win at age 18. She has represented the USA at the North American Young Rider Championships (NAYC) as well as in the 2021 World Cup Qualifier in Las Vegas. Ever since becoming a professional, Melody has developed a passion for developing young horses and dove head first into managing her farm, Corsari Equestrian. Her goals are to make CE one of the top riding facilities on the West Coast whilst competing all over the world.
Aside from showjumping, Melody also graduated with Honors from USC in 2024 with a Bachelors in Cognitive Science and Minor in Forensics and Criminality. Balancing school and a full time professional career has taught Melody that riding and success is all about time management, strategy, and dedication –– which is how she approaches training for people and horses alike.
Mike Hebert - head trainer
Mike is CE’s jack of all trades: from riding to handiwork to business (and some times therapy), he does it all. He started riding at the age of 9, initially on rental horses at a local western barn. At 10, he switched to English and began training with Jimmy and Mousie Williams at Flintridge Riding Club until he graduated high school. At 18, he began working for Mike Edrick and by 20, he opened his first show barn in Malibu. In 1980, he and his wife, Leslie, established Summerland Farms. Working together, Mike and Leslie have achieved multiple year-end championships in the Hunter and Jumper ring. Mike began competing in the Grand Prix ring in 1986, earning a 2nd place finish in the Bakersfield Grand Prix as well as other top 10 finishes. He won the Crown Royal puissance in 1991 at a height of 2.18 meters. In 1996, he started Summerland Farms Transport, which is licensed in all 50 states. Mike also served as a board member for the San Fernando Valley Horse Show Association (SFVHSA) and the Los Angeles County Horse Show Association (LACHSA) from 1985 to 1990.
In 2023, Mike and Leslie joined forces with their student, Melody, in creating Corsari Equestrian. Mike has been an integral part of building CE from the ground up — everything on the property is either built and/or designed by Mike. With decades of experience under his belt and having been able to work with and learn from some of the best riders in American history, Mike is not only an incredible rider and horseman but also a dedicated teacher.
leslie Hebert - trainer & Office manager
Leslie began her equestrian career at just 11 years old grooming and braiding to support her riding. By 16, she was teaching lessons and running summer camps which eventually led her to working for and studying under people such as Anthony de Ambrosia, Ralph Caristo, Mike Edrick, and Heather Bender. She worked alongside her husband, Mike, teaching and riding for his first business in her early 20s. This was followed by a job at Sandstone Equestrian where she coached Gabby Salick to many medal wins. In 1980, Mike and Leslie co-founded Summerland Farms where Leslie became a full-time trainer, manager, accountant, etc (basically everything behind the scenes that keeps everything running smoothly). She also worked as an “A” horse show secretary for Raizy Goffman and Sam Perlow and was a SFVHSA board member. With these roles under her belt, Leslie is the reason Corsari is able to function successfully. Taking away from her years of experience working with top riders, Leslie also possesses a very keen eye for detail and strives for perfection in teaching her students. She emphasizes effectiveness, position, and, most important of all, advocacy for the horses. No one puts the horses first like Leslie does and that is something she has worked hard to instill into every one of her students.
VANESSA POTRAFKE - Assistant Trainer
Originally from Germany, Vanessa began riding at the age of 6. By 9, she had her first horse and dove into the exciting worlds of dressage and show jumping. At 14, she got her first young horse, successfully bringing it up to the 1.50 meter level. Vanessa turned professional at 18 and established her own business in 2016, competing nationally and internationally up to the 2-star level as well as winning a Six-Bar class at 2.05 meters! In December 2023, she joined Corsari Equestrian as an assistant trainer, where she shares her expertise and love for horses. Vanessa is dedicated to teaching clients not only how to become effective riders but also the essential principles of horsemanship, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience for all her students.
Mel's Right Hand Woman:
Sarah Ladekarl
Head Groom:
Luis Pacheco
Grooms:
Saul Ortega Gonzalez
Dylan Reyes
Foreman:
Jorge Lias
CE Grounds Crew:
Carlos Centeno
Evaristo Girón
Erik Herrera
Milton Oscal
Kevin Monterroso
cE'S MASCOT
KENNY
the dogs of CE
BASIL
KIKI
PERCY